The Volta River Authority (VRA) has disclosed that it has so far spent GH¢9 million to mitigate the plight of the 36,000 victims of the Akosombo Dam-induced flood.

The said amount is part of the GH¢ 20 million allocated to help address the challenges of the residents of some nine districts from the Volta and other regions.

Addressing the press in Accra on Monday, October 23, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Services at the VRA, Ken Arthur, said the authority had since intensified efforts to alleviate the pain and discomfort of the affected people.

According to Ing. Arthur all affected persons will be attended to and none will be left behind in the exercise.

“Acknowledging the many challenges facing the affected communities, VRA and the entire relief team are engaged in regular supply of food items such as rice, maize, beans, gari, sugar, mackerel, cooking oil, palm oil, tomato paste, groundnuts, biscuits, fruit juice, powdered milk and drinking water.”

“Other non-food relief items include mosquito repellent creams, mosquito nets, blankets, mattresses, solar-powered lanterns with telephone charging features, sanitary items and many more,” he said.

Mr Arthur also added that Zoomlion has been contracted to provide sanitary services to the affected communities.

“Zoomlion has been contracted to provide mobile toilets, service them and also provide sanitation services at the safe havens.

"An access road has been created in Mepe to the St. Kizito centre to avoid accessing by boat.”

Again, he said there had been the clearance of weeds from the Sogakope bridge to facilitate the flow of the river into the ocean.

“We wish to assure the public that VRA will continue to monitor the situation and provide the needed support, together with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the other relevant agencies, to ensure the well-being of the affected communities.

“The authority reiterates that no one will be left behind in this emergency situation,” he emphasised.

The VRA, Mr Arthur said, empathised with all the affected persons and was unwavering in its commitment to work with NADMO and all relevant agencies to bring relief and assistance to the victims.

Background

On September 15, the Volta River Authority commenced the spilling of excess water due to rising levels of the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams.

Weeks after the spillage started, many residents living along the Lower Volta Basin lost their homes and farms to the floods caused by the spillage.

Nine districts are known to have suffered from the floods, with inhabitants caught up in this humanitarian crisis.

Heart-wrenching tales have emerged from the South, Central, and North Tongu districts of the Volta Region, where the devastation has known no bounds.

The once vibrant communities of Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo have been submerged, their existence nearly swallowed by the unrelenting waters.

Over 26,000 people according to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO), have been displaced and rendered homeless.

Some institutions and individuals have since presented relief items to residents.

President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other political figures have also visited the communities.

The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Minority caucus have also extended a helping hand to the victims.