Rainstorm destroys 123 schools; 3,639 homes in UER

Bolgatanga (UE), June 1, GNA - More than 120 schools and 3,639 individual homes suffered severe damage following a rainstorm that hit parts of the Upper East

Region recently. School children from affected schools now hold classes under trees. The rainstorm also brought down trees, sign posts, electricity high tension poles, which


had rendered some parts of the Bolgatanga and Bawku Municipality without


electricity. Estimates on the cost of the destruction from the Architectural and Engineering


Services Limited (AESL) submitted to the Upper Regional Minister, Mr Mark


Woyongo, said the region required GH¢2.9 million to rehabilitate the schools. Mr Woyongo said these at a press conference held in Bolgatanga on Tuesday. He said the situation needed a quick response as the rains had set in and called on


Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and philanthropists to come to aid of the

Region. Mr Woyongo said though the various district assemblies were quick to assess the


situation and reached out to victims, the effect of the storm was so devastating that it


would be difficult for the Region alone to mobilize itself to salvage the situation. He noted that the situation had put stress on resources at the regiona= l offices of


the National Disaster Mobilization Organization (NADMO) considering the number of


private houses that were affected. Mr Woyongo said so far from the Ministry of Education, GH¢1.5 millio= n have


been mobilized for the region to rehabilitate the schools to enable the children to go

back to school. He appealed to heads of primary, junior and senior secondary schools t= o take


planting of trees around their schools more seriously since they helped to serve as


wind breaks. Organizations such as Afrikids and World Vision were commended by the DCE


of Kasenna Nankana West for coming to the aid of some of the affected schools.