Minister tours flood affected communities

Krofu (CR), July 17, GNA - The MP for Mfantseman West, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, has appealed to Ghanaians to adhere to building regulations to avoid disasters.

Mr Asamoah Boateng, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City, said the availability of land should not be the only requirement for putting up houses.

The Deputy Minister said the suitability of the land should also be considered, adding that, they should avoid building in waterways and low grounds to avoid disasters.

He made the appeal when he visited Krofu near Mankessim at the weekend with Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, District Chief Executive (DCE) and the NPP Constituency Chairman, Mr James Ehuren to find out how relief items supplied to some flood victims in the town were being used. Last June five and 10 heavy rains, led to flooding in some communities including Krofu.

According to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) 114 houses were destroyed with 2,312 people losing their belongings as a result of the floods.

The MP, together with the District Assembly and the NADMO officials provided building materials, food, drugs and other items worth over 400 million cedis for distribution to the victims.

Mr Asamoah Boateng said even though the items could not make up for what they lost, the judicious use of the items would bring them some comfort.

Nana Kwansah II, Chief of the town, thanked the MP and his entourage for their concern for the plight of the flood victims. The Chief said out of 28 households, which were affected by the flood only 12 had been supplied with relief items and appealed for help for the others.

Nana Kwansah appealed to the MP and the DCE to invite Habitat for Humanity, a Non-Governmental Organisation providing low cost houses for the people.

Mr Quainoo-Arthur appealed to the people to plant trees to serve as windbreak and grass to check erosions. Mr Asamoah Boateng and his entourage visited Nkwanta, Asafora, Yamoransa, Ogoekrom, Kormantse, and Ekurabadze.