The municipal chief executive (MCE) of Keta, Emmanuel Gemegah, has provided update on the issues leading to the closure of the flood conytol gate at Azizadzi in the municipality. The move, according to Mr. Gemegah was necessitated by the advice of engineer responsible for the opening of the floodgates.
Mr. Emmanuel, Gemegah, at the press conference had at the assembly conference room, stated that the lagoon water level has receded from 1.6 meters to 0.8 meters over the period of the discharge. He said report from the flood-affected area such as Anyak-Konu, Seva, Atiavi, Anlo-Afiadenyigba, Hovi< Havedzi, and others indicated that the life threatening flood has receded drastically, which call for the closure of the floodgate. The level of water are the beginning rose up 1.6 meters above national datum as at early October this year and it overflows affected communities, he added. Mr. Gemegah further explained that the situation has affected several communities, roads, farms, churches and schools leading to the distraction of the social-economic life of the people living along the Coastal belt.
He said the municipal assembly in consultation with Engineers Rex Edeckor, former chief consultant on the sea defence project, held an emergency meeting with traditional leaders, and states institution such as the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA) and others on the need to open the floodgate. It would also cut the sandbar to enable lagoon water to be discharge into the sea. The successful operations have received recommendation from many residents, including Torgbi Sri III the Awomefia of Anlo State and his chiefs. He added that advice from the engineers has indicated that all seventeen-flood control gates, which were opened for the past two weeks to allow Lagoon water to flow into the sea to de-flood affected areas, will be close.
He recommended Engineer Rex Edeckor, Mr. Francis Nyonyo, council of state member, Mr. Daniel Abodakpi, a former Ambassador, MPs, VRA, and GPHA, and others for the various roles played for the successful operation.
