Salakope: Hope have been restored for residents of Salakope, Agavedzi, Amutsinu and the surrounding communities along the coast in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, after the government awarded a contract for the continuation of phase two of Blekusu sea defense wall.
According to Ghana News Agency, the move has been welcomed by residents, who have lamented over the years about delays by authorities in resolving the situation to prevent further destruction by tidal waves. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, said that the tidal wave affected communities would now rejoice and celebrate as work would officially begin on the Agavedzi Sea Defense project from Blekusu.
'This development is a result of the tireless collective efforts we have put together as we are working closely with His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to bring relief to the affected communities,' he stated. He explained that the phase two of the Blekusu Sea Defense project has been awarded to Amandi Construction Firm, a company that was currently mobilising and setting up its operational base at Havedzi (Azizadzi), which marked a significant milestone in the project, and construction works are expected to commence soon.
He said that the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) would provide adequate temporary shelters for residents who will be displaced during the construction period. The move was aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected residents who would be relocated to higher ground to pave the way for uninterrupted construction activities. 'In addition to the temporary shelters, a housing project is being developed to provide a permanent resettlement for displaced victims to ensure that affected residents have access to safe and secure housing to mitigate the impact of the sea erosion.'
Mr. Gunu assured that the affected residents would continue to receive food supplies and access to medical care during the critical period. The commitment also demonstrated the government's dedication to ensuring the well-being of its citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Regional Minister also expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the unwavering commitment to the coastal protection project, describing the supports as instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, and the people of Volta Region were grateful for the leadership.
Mr. Sylvester Kumawu, the Assembly Member of Salakope Electoral Area, in an interview with the GNA said the sea defense project when constructed would have a significant impact on the tidal wave affected communities to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and would provide a safe and secure environment for residents to live and work. He said the hope of many residents has been restored for the continuation of the project that would serve as a long-term strategy to provide lasting solutions and benefits to the communities and individuals affected by the devastating situation. He commended President Mahama, Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, Madam Dzifa Abla Gomashie, the Ketu South MP, the entire government officials and other stakeholders who played various roles to ensure a lasting solution to the tidal wave situation in the area.
A visit by GNA to the site at Havedzi saw ongoing groundwork and preparations with various grading machines been deployed for the commencement of 8 kilometres sea defense wall that would protect the coastal environment, promote economic development, and improve the quality of life for affected communities. GNA also observed that the tidal wave situation has spared the communities at Salakope, Agavedzi and Amutsinu for now.
