Acting Volta Regional Coordinator for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ebenezer Azumah, believes a sea defence wall should not be the ultimate measure in preventing the effects of tidal waves in the region.
In as much as he appreciates the government’s efforts in constructing fortified sea defence walls, he says relocation of communities that suffer tidal waves must be the end game of the government.
“I think relocation will be a better option for the people. When we can do this relocation, then we will have to equip them with new skills and train them in new fields for survival. Their lives will be endangered if we continue this way,” he told Don Kwabena Prah on Happy98.9FM’s Epa Hoa Daben political talk show.
He urged the government to prioritize education on the consequences of tidal waves. “These waves happen late at night and can cause large scale drowning. I advise the people of the Volta Region to understand and let the government resettle us with better economic activities and skills.”
Over 4,000 people and 257 households in the Keta Municipality were rendered homeless after tidal waves swept through their homes at dawn on Sunday.
Communities such as Abutiakope, Kedzikope and Keta Central are largely affected as homeless residents were left with nothing to salvage.
In Anloga, residents of Dzita, Agbledomi, Atiteti, Agokedzi, and Fuveme were also displaced by the fierce tidal waves that swept through the communities at the wee hours of Sunday.
Properties running into thousands of Ghana cedis have been destroyed.
This year’s waves have affected many households and individuals, mainly displacing many residents and destroying fishing accessories, livestock, and other valuables.
He blamed sand winning in the municipality as one of the main factors causing tidal waves in the area.
The government has however reiterated its commitment to complete the sea defence wall, as the Finance Ministry has been engaged to raise funds for the completion of the 2nd phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project.
