8 months after Akosombo Dam spillage: Over 200 victims still live in tents

Eight months after the Volta River Authority (VRA) spilled excess water from the Akosombo Dam, over 200 flood victims in Degorme, Mepe, in the Volta Region are still living in tents.

These residents, who were severely affected by the spillage, report feeling abandoned and neglected, with no substantial government support to aid their recovery.

The Devastating Impact of the Spillage

In September 2023, the VRA began releasing excess water from the Akosombo Dam due to a significant rise in inflow and high water levels. This necessary measure aimed to prevent potential dam failure, but it came at a high cost to the surrounding communities. The spillage affected numerous districts, displacing around 39,000 people and destroying properties worth millions of Ghana cedis.

The flooding brought life to a standstill. Schools closed, disrupting the education of many students, while farming and trading activities were halted, severely impacting local economies.

Current Conditions in Degorme Camp II

Today, residents of Degorme Camp II face harsh living conditions. With their homes destroyed, these individuals have not been able to return home and are forced to live in makeshift tents. The situation in the camp is dire:

Inadequate Shelter:

Rainwater seeps into the tents, making them uninhabitable during downpours. On dry days, the heat becomes unbearable.

Health Concerns:

There is no clinic or nurse in the camp. Skin rashes and fevers are common, and the lack of medical facilities exacerbates these issues.

Safety Hazards:

The residents report frequent harassment by reptiles and scorpions, adding to their distress.

Basic Needs:

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has ceased supplying food and water. A recent disconnection of the camp’s water supply by the Ghana Water Company has further worsened their plight.

Voices from the Camp

Sophia Abbah, a leader at Degorme Camp II, expressed the residents’ frustration and desperation. “We feel completely abandoned. Without food, water, or medical care, our situation is getting worse by the day,” she said.

Call for Government Action

The affected residents of Mepe are in urgent need of government intervention. The continuation of their current conditions poses severe risks to their health and well-being. Support in the form of food, water, medical care, and proper housing is critical.

The VRA’s Stance

The VRA maintains that the controlled spillage was necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams. Engineers have emphasized that managing water levels is crucial to prevent dam failure, which would have catastrophic consequences.

Conclusion

As the rainy season approaches, the urgency of the situation in Degorme Camp II cannot be overstated. The government and relevant authorities must act swiftly to provide the necessary relief and support to the flood victims, ensuring they can rebuild their lives after this devastating event.

For the affected residents, immediate and sustained assistance is not just a need but a lifeline. Their future depends on it.

 

By Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey

The post 8 months after Akosombo Dam spillage: Over 200 victims still live in tents first appeared on 3News.

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