President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Finance Minister to allocate funds for the commencement of phase two of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project to mitigate the impact of tidal waves in coastal communities.
During a visit to Agavedzi in the Volta Region, Mr. Mahama assessed the extent of destruction caused by the waves, which have displaced about 300 people and affected 51 households.
Mr. Mahama highlighted that while phase one of the project had been completed, phase two, which was expected to follow immediately, stalled due to a lack of government funding.
He explained that phase two would have protected several communities, including Salakope, Amutinu, Agavedzi, and others.
He expressed concern about the poor conditions of the resettlement project for displaced residents.
He observed that the location of the project is on a flood-prone area, making it unfit for habitation.
“There are two things we need to do start building phase two of the defence wall and, at the same time, resettle those whose houses have been affected. So we will look for a more suitable site for the resettlement project,” he added.
To alleviate the plight of the affected residents, Mr. Mahama and other stakeholders provided relief items, including 250 bags of rice from the Minister of Roads and Transport and a cash donation of GH₵100,000 from Engineers and Partners.