The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has intensified efforts to address the plight of victims affected by the flood occasioned by the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) Akosombo Dam spillage.
Honorable Ablakwa, known for his unwavering commitment to his constituents, in a statement disclosed a comprehensive assessment his outfit has carried out following the recent rains and windstorms among some displaced victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
The National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament underscored the dire conditions faced by victims who are still residing in temporary shelters eight months after the disaster struck.
Expressing deep concern over the prolonged suffering endured by some of the displaced families, following the flood occasioned by Akosombo Dam spillage, Honorable Ablakwa lamented the inadequacy of resources to provide permanent resettlement homes for all affected individuals.
Notably, he highlighted the unsuitability of the makeshift tents, stating that such structures lack resilience against harsh weather conditions and fail to offer adequate protection during heavy rains and windstorms.
“Considering the current heart-wrenching plight of these VRA spillage victims, I really wish my partners and I had the resources to construct additional resettlement homes for all spillage victims as we did earlier for 600 of their colleagues.
“From my field assessment, it’s obvious the tents were not made for harsh weather conditions, long duration use, and do not offer adequate protection during rains and windstorms”.
Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP North Tongu
In response to the imminent threat posed by the upcoming rainy season, the North Tongu lawmaker recounted some proactive measures his outfit has taken to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable members of the communities.
He mentioned that, his outfit has secured safe rental accommodation for elderly individuals aged 60 and above, recognizing their heightened vulnerability to adverse weather conditions.
He emphasized that his office will with a sense of urgency relocate the most aged to some earmarked decent rented accommodations, where they will be exempted from rent and utility payments for a year.
Furthermore, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed gratitude to the generosity and compassion of fellow Ghanaians in contributing resources to support his MP’s VRA Spillage Victims Free Rent Initiative.
He emphasized that the initiative serves as an interim solution to alleviate the suffering of the affected population while awaiting the fulfillment of government obligations, including the construction of permanent settlements and compensation for the disaster victims.
He thus urged the ruling New Patriotic Party administration under President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to undertake urgent measures in providing permanent settlements and compensation for the victims of the flood occasioned by the Akosombo dam spillage.
Moreover, the Ranking Member of Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs expressed his commitment to rollout some safety measures for non-aged individuals still residing in the temporary shelters.
He emphasized his plans to evacuate them to identified structures in anticipation of heavy rains, ensuring their protection from further harm.
Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa concluded his remarks by expressing confidence that with divine providence and with collective efforts, the communities within his constituency would overcome the devastating challenges resulting from the spillage of the Akosombo dam.
The Akosombo Dam spillage, which occurred in September 2023 led to flooding of several communities at the downstream of the Volta Lake, displacing thousands of residents.
This displacement disrupted livelihoods, damaged property, and currently poses some health risks to the displaced victims, necessitating urgent humanitarian assistance and long-term resettlement efforts.
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