Residents living in flood-prone areas in Daboya in the Savannah Region, have paid no heed to calls by officials of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and North Gonja District Assembly to relocate to higher grounds before the Bagre dam spillage.

According to them, the solution to their plight is to be relocated permanently from the flood-prone area.

They argued that government should fund their relocation, since they have lived and worked around the White Volta for several years and have borne the difficulty in relocating every time such incidents occur.

"Yes, our house was part of the disaster last year. But for relocation, you know, it's not an easy thing and the flood also affecting us, it is a huge task. So, the issue of relocation, even though I am not the landlord but my father, it involves processes and a lot of resources. If you don't have the resources, how do you relocate?" one Mohammed Iddrisu bemoaned.

Another, a peasant farmer and a fisherman, Issifu Quddus expressed similar sentiments adding that the residents did not receive relief items after last year's disaster.

"Last year, we had the flood issue and my farmland was affected. A lot of people came and promised us, including life jackets for those of us staying by the river and up to now, we have not seen anything".

He continued saying: "Currently, the water issue is popping up again and they said we should relocate. But to where? My family is large and I don't also have money. Where do we go and settle? And now, we don't want to go and stay on somebody's land where the person will one day come and say, move this is my grandfather's land.

"So, this is not just relocation, but moving an entire family and we need a permanent place. Because last year, that was what happened and we went to stay with our neighbours. Even if they were not happy with our stay, they wouldn't tell us."

District Chief Executive for North Gonja, Adam Elliasu, who spoke to JoyNews stated that the Assembly cannot fund the demands of the indigenes.

According to Mr Elliasu, herdsmen in the locality have been relocated, however, the indigenes have refused to relocate to schools provided them or move in with their neighbours.

"Those who have agreed and were successfully relocated near the District Assembly block after the flood, are the herdsmen. So, they have no problem again. We have settled them.

"As for the indigenes, their houses are closer to the river. They are fisher folks. So, as for them, they wouldn't agree and go and stay in the school. What they do is that anytime the place is flooded, they move to join their neighbours.

"For permanent relocation, who will build such structures for them? The Assembly can't do it because why should they go and build by the river bank. So unless the government comes in to help" the DCE said.