The Keta Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Anloga District Assembly, has held a community engagement with residents of Anlo Afiadenyigba as part of ongoing efforts to address flooding challenges and educate communities on the planned lagoon spillage.
The engagement brought together the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Wisdom Bondieu Seade; the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Anloga, Hon. Sandar Seyam Kpedor; staff of the Keta Municipal Assembly; the Assembly Member for Anlo Afiadenyigba, Hon. Denoo Thywill Kobla; traditional authorities; opinion leaders; and residents to discuss the recurring flooding situation and identify practical solutions to enhance community resilience.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to inform residents about the planned lagoon spillage and explain the measures being undertaken to reduce the impact of flooding on lives, property, and livelihoods.
During the engagement, residents actively participated by raising concerns and seeking clarification on issues relating to the causes of flooding, measures being implemented to address the situation, and the Assembly’s interventions to mitigate the impact of future flood events.
Among the concerns raised were questions regarding measures being implemented to address the flooding situation, concerns about the activities of foreign companies engaged in salt mining—particularly Diamond Salt and enquiries about previous interventions undertaken during similar flooding events. Some residents also expressed concerns that opening the lagoon could negatively affect fishing activities and the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
Responding to the concerns, Hon. Wisdom Bondieu Seade assured residents that the Keta Municipal Assembly is working closely with relevant stakeholders and technical institutions to implement sustainable flood mitigation measures. He explained that the opening of the lagoon is intended to reduce excess water levels and minimize the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
Addressing concerns about fishing activities, the Municipal Chief Executive noted that experience has shown that fish often seek refuge beneath aquatic vegetation when the lagoon is opened. He therefore indicated that the controlled opening of the lagoon does not significantly affect fishing activities. He further explained that the lagoon has undergone significant environmental changes over the years and should not be expected to function exactly as it did in the past.
Hon. Wisdom Bondieu Seade encouraged residents to continue supporting the Assembly’s flood management initiatives and assured them that stakeholder consultations and community engagements would continue as part of efforts to safeguard lives, protect property, and strengthen climate resilience across the municipality.
The engagement concluded with residents expressing appreciation to the Keta Municipal Assembly for creating a platform for dialogue and consultation. Community members pledged their continued support for the Assembly’s interventions and reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address the flooding challenges facing Anlo Afiadenyigba.
The Keta Municipal Assembly remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to implement sustainable flood management strategies and improve the safety and well-being of communities across the municipality.
