Fumigation and disinfection operation has been embarked by the Volta River Authority (VRA) in the communities impacted by the flooding caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Residents in areas like Mepe in the Volta Region’s North Tongu District, where floodwaters are gradually receding, are anticipated to participate in the disinfection operation.
The VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Ing. Kwame Osei Mensah Darkwa, emphasized the organization’s commitment to guaranteeing the safety and habitability of residences, public areas, and the entire community after the floods in an interview with Joy News.
“The VRA contracted Zoomlion to carry out fumigation and decontamination exercises in the areas where the water has receded significantly to make it safe for habitation again. So essentially we have the assembly represented by the safety officer, a representative from the traditional council, a chief executive and the intention is to go to the areas we’ve inspected and we want them to be dry for them to start some form of decontamination of the place.”
Asked whether all other districts affected by the flooding would also be fumigated, Ing. Dankwa said that “Of course, when it becomes necessary. So we are looking at it, for today our intention is to tackle the Mepe area.”
The District Chief Executive of the North Tongu Assembly, Divine Osborne Fenu, praised the VRA for its timely initiative.
But before going back to their houses, he advised the locals to wait until the fumigation process was finished.
Mr. Fenu clarified that in order to make sure the residences are safe, they urge the occupants to exercise caution until all inspections and fumigations are completed.
“We are appealing to all of them to remain calm, to stay where they are currently. Until those places are fumigated and the structural engineering inspection is done to ensure that the buildings are safe before they move in. We don’t want buildings collapsing on human beings, on anybody.”