The government has pledged to provide temporary structures and psychological support to victims of the recent tidal wave disaster in the Salakope, Amutsinu and Agavedzi communities.
The move was part of government’s primary concern to offer hope and courage to those affected by the devastating situation, which displaced hundreds of residents along the coast. Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, emphasised that the government would always prioritise tidal wave victims and provided the necessary assistance to alleviate their plights.
“This is the time we need to show love and care to our beloved people of Salakope, Agavedzi and Amutsinu communities, we are always there for them, even in opposition president Mahama and NDC have consistently provided a lot of support to the victims,”he said. Mr Gunu acknowledged that the extent and degree of damages caused by the tidal wave was significant and immediate attention was required to address the situation to prevent further destruction.
He said that the government planned to partner with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other technical cooperate organisations to conduct impact assessment and develop lasting solution such as sea defence wall and dredging the sea. “We need to sympathise with our people, climate change is real and it takes time and technology to deal with associate problems with it, we need to work together and see the lasting solution to this natural disaster.”
Mr Gunu appealed to philanthropists, corporate entities and well-meaning individuals to partner with government to address the pressing problems and urged the residents to avoid other human activities include sand winning along the coast which may endanger them. Torgbui Emmanuel Anumu-Tettey, the Chief fishermen at Salakope, disclosed to the GNA that the devastation situation has severely impacted businesses, resulting in hardship and hunger.
“Our house are in the sea, we fishing nets have been damaged due a lot debris in the sea, we have no food, no place to sleep, we need help or else all of us will die slowly.” He suggested that whilst sea defense wall was essential, experiences gathered also indicated that government should also consider dredging the sea to reclaim the land for the communities.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency, lead by Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse visited the affected area, which they pledged necessary efforts would be implemented lasting solution to the challenge. Some victims GNA engaged expressed hope that the government would provide solution to their challenge for businesses to resume and operate normally.
Source: GNA
