The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Keta, Emmanuel Gemegah, has provided some updates on the issues leading to the closure of the flood control gate at Azizadzi in the Municipality.

The move, according to Mr Gemegah, was necessitated by the advice of engineers responsible for the opening of the floodgates.

Mr Gemegah, at press conference held at the Keta Municipal Assembly Hall, stated that the lagoon water level has receded from 1.6 metres to 0.8 metres over the period of the discharge.

He said reports from the flood affected areas such as Anyako-Konu, Seva, Atiavi, Anlo-Afiadenyigba, Hovi, Havedzi Kedzi and others indicated that the life-threatening flood has receded drastically, which called for the closure of the floodgate.

"The level of the water at the beginning rose up to 1.6 metres above national level datum as at early October this year, and its overflow affected many communities," he added.

Mr Gemegah further explained that the situation has affected several communities, roads, farms, churches, and schools leading to the destruction of the socio-economic life of the people living along the coastal belt.

He said the Keta Municipal Assembly in consultation with Engineers Rex Edeckor, former Chief Consultant on the Keta Sea defense Projects, held an emergency meeting with traditional leaders, stakeholders and state institutions such as the Volta River Authority, Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA) and others on the need to open the floodgate.

It would also cut the sand bar to enable the lagoon water to be discharged into the sea.

"The successful operations have received recommendations from many residents including Torgbi Sri lll, the Awomefia of Anlo State and his chiefs."

He added that the advice from engineers has indicated that all the seventeen flood control gates which were opened for the past two weeks to allow lagoon water to flow into the sea to de-flood affected areas would be closed.

He recommended Engineer Rex Edeckor, Mr Francis Nyonyo,  a Council of state member, Mr Daniel Abodakpi, a former ambassador, MPs, VRA, GPHA, and others for the various roles played for the successful operation.

Some residents of the flooded areas who spoke to Ghana News Agency, expressed satisfaction, and thanked stakeholders for the urgent reliefs. The GNA has further observed that the closure of the floodgates has commenced.