Agavedzi: Torgbiga Adama III, the Paramount Chief of the Som¨ Traditional Area in Ketu South, has urgently called upon the Mahama government to recommence phase two of the halted Blekusu Sea Defense Project. This appeal comes in the wake of relentless tidal waves causing havoc in Salakope and parts of Havedzi, with threats looming over the Keta-Aflao Road. The chief emphasized that the road's inundation would escalate the disaster, impacting not only coastal communities but also those situated inland.
According to Ghana News Agency, Torgbiga Adama addressed a press conference on Monday in Agavedzi, highlighting the severe impact of the recurring tidal waves on communities like Agavedzi, Salakope, and Amutinu. He urged the government to treat the ongoing tidal wave attacks as an emergency and to summon the contractor, Amandi Company, to resume the sea defense project from Blekusu to parts of Agavedzi immediately. He warned of the potential for the sea to breach the Keta-Aflao Road, leading to the lagoon overflowing and endangering adjacent communities, including the traditional capital town of Som©, Agbozume.
The chief also appealed to the government to compel the Ghana Gas Company to honor its commitment to constructing housing for those displaced by the sea's destruction. He emphasized the urgent need for accommodation for the Salakope community, particularly for women, children, and the elderly, as the contractor had vacated the site two years prior to the government's change, leaving the promised apartments unfinished.
Furthermore, Torgbiga Adama called on charitable individuals and organizations to provide shelter and relief supplies, including food, to alleviate the suffering of his people. Mr. Edward Kwadzo Eddah, Chairman of the Volta Region Steering Committee for the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA ReSIP 2), expressed support for the Traditional Council's plan to seek an audience with the sector minister and potentially the President to expedite a resolution.
Mr. Eddah noted that the WACA project, designed to combat coastal erosion, flooding, pollution, and to restore coastal ecosystems and secure livelihoods, particularly for coastal residents, had already experienced delays and required swift implementation to address the community's pressing challenges.
