A delegation from the Ghana Institute of Planners (GIP), in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA) and the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE), recently embarked on a visit to the Mepe area in the Volta Region.
Their mission was to assess the impact of the Akosombo dam spillage on the local community’s livelihood.
The group of Built Environment Practitioners (BEP) collectively noted that the Mepe area may necessitate the construction of raised structures to provide temporary relief for flood-affected residents.
This recommendation was driven by their observation that the flat topography of the region causes rainwater to accumulate on the ground, affecting the sleeping conditions of the local residents.
During their assessment, the BEP team also discovered a significant loss of livelihood in the area, particularly related to the damage inflicted on fish ponds.
This information was presented by the GIP on October 23, 2023, following their visit to the areas severely affected by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams operated by the Volta River Authority in the Eastern Region.
The BEP team brought attention to the plight of a fish farmer who had graduated with a degree in natural resource management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
This individual suffered a devastating loss, with over 1,700 fish perishing along with the destruction of their fish pond.
In light of the situation, the group emphasised the need for comprehensive statistics on the number of people affected, their economic activities, age demographics, and other pertinent data.
They further called for an engagement with the local Assembly and other Built Environment Practitioners to collaboratively analyse and utilise this data for more effective assistance and planning.
Source: Classfmonline.com
