In order to prevent the deadly floods in the three municipalities of Keta, Anloga, and Ketu South in the Volta region, the lagoon floodgates and the sandbar at Azizadzi have started to open.
Emmanuel Gemegah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Keta, revealed this information during a news conference organized in conjunction with the municipalities of Anloga and Ketu South and with support from the VRA.
Mr. Gemegah noted that extensive community involvement and conversations had been held to fully prepare the local population for the opening of the floodgates.
Additionally, he emphasized the urgent necessity to take swift action to fix these concerns in order to prevent any damage to the important roadways connecting the three municipalities and other national infrastructure.
“We made sure that enough consultation was done with traditional authorities, experts in the preparation to open the lagoon into the sea and we are doing this to prevent any flood in the areas,” Mr Gemegah said.
He mentioned that many towns in the Keta municipalities, Anloga, and Ketu South were inundated on October 19 and that numerous inhabitants were left without homes.
The water level in the Keta lagoon had increased to 1.382 meters, compared to the sea’s level of 0.592 meters, according to studies and consultations, which Mr. Gemegah deemed alarming.
He urged those who have been informed, comprehend the circumstances and the importance of the project, but are still attempting to obstruct the adoption of the proper course of action, to change their minds.
He pointed out that the neighbors who are now voicing complaints were previously well-informed and active before to the project’s start, thus he found it strange that they were raising concerns about the opening of the lagoon.
To stop additional flooding in the three districts, Mr. Sewor, Municipal Engineer, underlined the need of opening the lagoon into the sea.
Traditional leaders and members of the three villages were present at the meeting, along with Ketu South Municipal Chief Executive Maxwell Lugudor and Anloga District Chief Executive Seth Yormewu. The Volta River Authority (VRA) is providing support for the project.
