Efforts are underway to begin Phase II of the Agavedzi-Blekusu Sea Defence Project in Ketu South, aimed at safeguarding coastal communities from recurrent tidal wave threats.
This development was revealed during a recent visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing, prompted by the Speaker of Parliament on May 13, 2024.
The directive from the Speaker follows concerns raised by all three Members of Parliament representing the coastal constituencies of Ketu South, Keta, and Anlo regarding the urgent need to preserve the coastline from further degradation.
Their concerns come after the most recent incident of tidal waves sweeping through the coastal areas of Ketu South on March 4, 2022.
The unfortunate incident flooded 85 houses in the early hours, displacing more than 300 people in the towns of Agavedzi and Salakope.
In light of this, Chairman of the Committee, Isaac Asiamah, disclosed that the government has secured $150 million for the project in Ketu South and other coastal communities.
He assured me that plans are underway for the commencement of phase II in the near future.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Asiamah emphasised the importance of expediting the proposed 8-kilometre stretch, along with auxiliary facilities such as a cold store, fishing market, and clinic, estimated at $83 million.
He expressed concern over the lack of progress in safeguarding the area since the Committee’s previous visit two years ago, emphasising the urgency of addressing the situation to prevent the loss of a valuable resource with significant potential for tourism and transportation.
He stressed: “We will not allow this critical part of Ghana to go to waste.”
Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, another Committee Member, expressed concern over the high estimated cost for the continuation of the defence project at Agavedzi-Blekusu.
He advocated for the careful allocation of resources to ensure that protection efforts can be extended to cover a large expanse of coastline and address the pressing situation effectively.
The construction of the sea defense project commenced in October 2010 and concluded in October 2014, with an approximate expenditure of 41 million Euros.
The initial phase, referred to as the Blekuso Project, commenced in 2015 and was successfully completed.
The subsequent phase aimed to cover approximately 8 kilometers along the coastal stretch.
The region has grappled with significant challenges stemming from tidal waves, resulting in extensive damage to homes and livelihoods. For instance, in June 2015, around 56 houses in the towns of Dzita and Fuveme were obliterated, rendering many residents homeless.
The situation escalated in November 2021 when tidal waves swept through human settlements in the Keta and Ketu Municipalities, displacing approximately 3,000 individuals.