Victims of the recent tidal wave disaster within the three communities of Ketu South municipality of the Volta region are urging the government to construct the sea defence project and stop sharing the normal rice and mattress to them. According to the residents, they have toiled many years to build houses only to be destroyed by the tidal wave. This the residents said is a great worry to them than the rice and mattress which will not give them shelter . The tidal waves which affected communities like Salakope, Agavedzi, Amutsinu, and other coastal communities in the Ketu South Municipality have left over 600 people without homes. They are also facing a perennial disaster, as the distance between the advancing sea and the main road connecting Denu and Azizadzi to Keta is now less than five meters. If nothing is done urgently, these towns could be completely cut off, leaving thousands stranded without access to essential services The relentless tidal waves are forcing many to seek shelter with friends and relatives while others remain without a place to go. Frustrated residents have raised desperate concerns, asking what the future holds if the sea continues to claim their lands unchecked. "We are tired of the rice and mattress. The best we want now is for the government to ensure the construction of the sea defence project and bring us a lasting solution. It is unfortunate to toil and build only to wake under the sea with your properties destroyed", Essinam Mary, an affected resident said.
A home under siege
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama, is expected to tour the affected communities to sympathize with the victims and provide support today.
Regional Minister James Gunu spends night with tidal wave victims
Ahead of the visit, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, on Wednesday spent the night with victims of the tidal waves. Reports indicate that burial grounds, residences, and other properties were destroyed, forcing some families to exhume the bodies of their loved ones. In a social media post, James Gunu explained that his decision to spend the night at the temporary shelter provided for the victims was to better understand their struggles.
Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, spending night with the victims
“I’ll be spending the night with the good people of Agavedzi-Salakɔƒe-Amutinu. It is important for us to feel what they feel even as we formulate and implement the permanent solution,” he stated.