VRA increases relief support to GHC 20m

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has committed an additional ten million cedis in further response to the urgent humanitarian needs brought on by the ongoing spillage from the Akosombo Dam.

This amount, which is to bolster their efforts to provide basic relief supplies to those affected by the current situation, brings the total sum committed so far to GHC 20 million.

Under the direction of its Chief Executive, Ing Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, the Authority is also putting thorough procedures in place to remedy the issues caused by the controlled spillage.

So far, Central, North, and South Tongu Districts, the Ada East, Anlo, Keta, Lower Manya Krobo, Shai Osudoku, and Asuogyaman Districts in the Volta, Greater Accra, and Eastern regions have been affected.

As part of efforts to mitigate the effects of the water spillage, the Chief Executive and representatives from the Authority visited some communities in the North Tongu District, interacted with the community members, and distributed aid supplies to them, including solar-powered rechargeable lamps.

Ing. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, during the visit, told the media that the additional ten million cedis for the acquisition of essential relief items “is not meant for disbursement to the affected individuals but is directed exclusively towards addressing the immediate needs of those affected by this crisis.”

He further emphasised the VRA's commitment to ensure that every donation is used to meet the urgent needs of those affected.

To ease the current situation, the Authority has created an emergency health clinic with vital medical supplies and provided water storage tanks, medical supplies, and equipment to the North Tongu District health directorate. It also replaced a water pump at Aveyime that had submerged, guaranteeing a steady supply of water to the affected communities.

In addition to providing daily food and water at designated safe havens, the institution has also distributed mobile restrooms to the centres. The VRA's broad relief activities effectively serve the immediate needs of individuals in various areas.

Since its inception, the Volta River Authority has maintained a longstanding culture of supporting communities affected by its dam operations. Their current outstanding dedication to the welfare of those caught in the flooding situation from the Akosombo Dam spill is therefore customary and reiterates their commitment to their local communities.

According to the power utility, they are ready to explore other necessary avenues, aside from the additional financing provided, to further lessen the pain of those affected and lend a helping hand to mitigate the effects of the spillage.