Residents of Agbeve, a fishing community in the South Tongu District, have expressed their displeasure with the dredging activities of a foreign vessel on the River Volta.
The residents believe the vessel, owned by a Dutch company, is sourcing for minerals in the riverbed.
A visit to the community revealed that the dredging activities of the vessel have muddied the water, adversely affecting the operations of the water plant system constructed by community members with support.
The village which has not received any significant developmental project from the government, according to residents, self-sponsored and built two reverse osmosis water treatment plants to supply potable water to 6 villages along the river.
The residents say the water plant system which has significantly reduced cases of water-borne disease in the area, has since been rendered redundant following the heavy pollution of the river by the dredging vessel.
“Within 24 hours of this water-polluting activity, we couldn't use the water treatment plant," a resident said.
They expressed grave concern about the effects of the dredging activities on their local economy should it continue any longer.
The residents who are mostly fisher folks and oyster farmers say the dredging will lead to serious consequences; affecting both their livelihood and their nutrition.
"We tried a 30 acre maize farm which didn't do well. Fishing and oyster farming is the only source of livelihood for the people," a resident said.
Currently, feasibility studies are ongoing to establish the viability of catfish farming on an industrial scale to create a sustainable source of employment for the rather impoverished people in the area.
While the results of the study are looking good, residents fear that should the dredging continue, their hopes may never be realized.
Concerning the dredging activities, the residents stated that if indeed the river needs to be dredged, they are willing to carry out that activity themselves with the help of internally and some externally generated funds.
They believe they will be able to do a much better job, within standard best environmental practices as against the activities of the foreign vessel which is ‘destroying’ their only water source.
“If they really want dredging to be done for whatever reason, they should give us the people the first choice to do so responsibly so as not to adversely affect the community but as a source of community development."
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity noted that they strongly believe the vessel is rather looking for some mineral deposits and is using dredging as a cover up.
He added that it is also possible the vessel is winning sand from the riverbed.
The residents are thus calling on government to immediately halt the activities of the foreign vessel or else they will take matters into their own hands.
Meanwhile, the Ada East Municipal Security Council has held an emergency meeting with some residents and the company to find ways to solve the issues.
Latest Stories
-
NCA’s failure to act cause of internet disruptions – Sam George
21 mins -
Government initiates strategic road projects to boost access to healthcare facilities in Ashanti
31 mins -
Ghana card number at birth will ensure accountability, data security – NPP UK Bristol
50 mins -
I am the new IMF Ghana needs – Nana Kwame Bediako
58 mins -
Ghana close to signing MOU with bilateral creditors on debt restructuring – IMF MD
1 hour -
Don’t allow Eurobond holders to twist your arm – IMF Boss to Akufo-Addo
2 hours -
Government to license Starlink to operate in Ghana – Ursula Owusu-Ekuful
2 hours -
Report on the formation of a Trust Corridor for innovation exchange and trade across Africa launched
3 hours -
67 lecturers receive training in content development for online teaching and learning
3 hours -
Internet Disruptions: Freight Forwarders in Tema demand waivers on demurrages due to delays
3 hours -
Electricity metres should be given to citizens for free – Bernard Mornah
3 hours -
Support GIADEC to develop Ghana’s Integrated Aluminium Industry – Asantehene
4 hours -
African Games 2023: Ghana set up final against Nigeria in women’s football competition
4 hours -
Experts rule out human activity in undersea fibre cut – Ursula tells Parliament
4 hours -
Modern Floors Ghana CEO Basil David Anthony honoured by Entrepreneurs Foundation Ghana
6 hours