The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Mahama, has urged the Volta River Authority (VRA) to expedite measures to assist citizens in areas along the Volta River affected by spillage from the Akosombo Dam.
The spillage which flooded several homes forced forced numerous communities in the Volta Region’s North, South, and Central Tongu districts to leave, leaving them with little alternative but to try to rescue what’s left of their goods.
On Friday, Mr Mahama visited parts of Sogakope and Sokpoe to assess the impact of the spillage and to meet with affected communities and facilities.
The Comboni Hospital was not spared as the staff had to evacuate their quarters and seek shelter under a pavilion.
Patients were also discharged, with only ten in critical condition remaining.
Commenring on the situation, The former President admonished the VRA to quickly deliver the promised relief efforts to the affected communities after his visit and interaction with residents, management, and staff of the Comboni hospital.
“This is about people’s lives. I will thank the VRA and appeal to them to expedite their efforts because the people are in need. We must help them to cope with the situation.”
He expressed his disappointment that the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has been unable to assist the affected communities due to a lack of relief items.
According to him, the spillage was caused by large inflows from above the dam due to heavy rains in the northern parts of the country but advised the VRA to consider desilting the river.
“If you don’t spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially down the southern Volta. But we must dredge so that the extra volumes of water can flow faster. For example, under the Volta Bridge is silted. If it is de-silted, the water will flow away faster.”
To emphasise the urgency of relief efforts and the impact of the situation on people, Mr Mahama spoke about the possibility of the hospital asking families to collect the 300 dead bodies from the mortuary and find other places to accommodate them.
“We need the government to take this seriously,” a community leader told Mr Mahama. “The lives of our people are at stake, and their well-being should be a top priority.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
