Mahama criticises poor resettlement efforts for tidal wave victims by previous administration

President John Mahama has criticised the poor quality of resettlement efforts for victims of tidal waves in the Volta Region, describing them as inadequate and unfit for purpose. 

His comments came during a visit to Agavedzi and other affected communities, where he assessed the extent of damage caused by recent tidal waves that displaced people and washed away 80 metres of coastline.

According to the President, the current resettlement project, purportedly funded by Ghana Gas, is being constructed in a flood-prone area, making it unsuitable for long-term habitation.

“I don’t think the project was well thought through. The work is shoddy, and even the area where the resettlement is being built is a flood area. If it floods, it will affect those buildings too, and so those buildings are not fit for purpose,” Mahama remarked.

Experts and local leaders have long warned that without proper planning and execution, such efforts may fail to provide a lasting solution to the recurring disasters faced by residents in Ketu South and Keta constituencies.

To address the situation, Mahama has directed that resettlement efforts be revised to ensure that displaced families are relocated to safer grounds with durable housing. 

He emphasised that government intervention should not only be immediate but also sustainable. “There are two things we need to do: start the building of the Phase Two of the defence wall but, at the same time, resettle those whose houses have been affected in a better location,” he said.

He also used the visit to inform the residents and victims of his instruction to the Finance Minister to include allocation for Phase 2 of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project in the upcoming budget.

“Happily, the Finance Minister next week is going to present the budget, so I’m going to ask him to include funding to start Phase Two of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project,” he stated.

The post Mahama criticises poor resettlement efforts for tidal wave victims by previous administration first appeared on 3News.

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