Former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has extended a helping hand to the neglected victims who suffered from the devastating Volta River floods in the Upper Manya Krobo district of the Eastern Region.
The donation, comprising over 1,100 sachets and bottles of water, as well as essential supplies, was intended to provide relief to the victims who have been struggling in the aftermath of the destructive floods.
The Upper Manya Krobo constituency faced the severe repercussions of the floods, which were triggered by the Volta River.
Occurring over a month ago, these floods affected more than 1,000 individuals, as reported by the National Disaster Management Organization in the district.
Regrettably, these affected residents had not received any relief support from the state or any organization, leaving them to fend for themselves.
Akateng, a vibrant fishing community in the district, was one of the hardest-hit areas, with numerous homes submerged.
The Akateng Market, known for trading foodstuffs and livestock from Upper Manya Krobo, Afram Plains North, and South Districts, remained submerged as the river receded slowly.
This has led to disrupted economic activities and livelihoods, prompting residents to call for the relocation of the market to a safer and more permanent location.
The impact of these floods extended beyond economic consequences, affecting the residents’ health, with an increase in malaria cases, even among pregnant women.
Juliana Avieke, a Nurse midwife at the Akateng Health Center, expressed concerns regarding the health-related challenges resulting from the floods.
She explained, “Some of the drugs we do not have there; there is a shortage. As they bring them, it will help us provide them to those in need. Some people also come without health insurance, so since it is free, we will administer treatment to them as well. We have not yet recorded any cholera cases, but so far, malaria cases are on the rise. Those affected by the floods, the homeless people, sleep outside, and some do not have mosquito nets, exposing themselves to mosquitoes, leading to an increase in malaria cases.”
In response to the perceived neglect and the urgency of the situation in Upper Manya Krobo, Julius Debrah, along with a few other individuals, took the initiative to support the flood victims.
Their donation included 1,100 bags and bottles of sachet water, medicines, and seven bales of used clothing.
These essential items were handed over to the flood victims with the Member of Parliament for Upper Manya Krobo, Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, taking charge of the delivery.
During the handover, the MP reiterated his commitment to collaborating with other Members of Parliament in flood-impacted areas to demand compensation for the flood victims.
Moses Tei, the spokesperson for the victims, also called on the government to provide assistance to the affected individuals and communities.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
