Akosombo dam spillage: Mepe residents demand compensation, housing for flood victims
Residents of Mepe in the North Tongu District of the Volta region are calling for immediate compensation and proper housing for affected flood victims, after the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.
According to them, the spillage has significantly affected their lives and the government’s response has been disappointing.
Addressing a press conference, the Spokesperson for the concerned residents said the government has been slow in its response 10 months after the spillage.
He appealed to the government to complete the 20-unit housing project it began in Mepe.
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“The VRA has hinted that they are going to spill excess water in the next few weeks. They claim the next spillage this time will be gradual but we hope that they are fully aware that the soil is still soaked with water and will not be able to absorb much quantity again. We are, therefore, pleading with them to be circumspect in whatever actions they take.
“…As a matter of urgency, we are requesting the government to do the honourable thing, shaping and resurfacing all access routes in the town and those leading to surrounding villages, providing proper drainage facilities, providing canals for excess spilt water to be harvested and channelled for agricultural purposes.”
The spillage, carried out by the Volta River Authority (VRA) on September 15, 2023, displaced over 27,000 people, according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
Farmlands were completely submerged, with growing fears of an increase in poverty levels in the affected communities due to the loss of livelihoods of the communities that are known for fishing and farming.
The displaced individuals sought refuge in public schools, migrated to nearby communities, or stayed with relatives and friends.
A few days after the unfortunate incident, the government set up a 13-member inter-ministerial committee to coordinate the government’s efforts in assisting and providing relief to those affected by the flooding.