Two Ministries working to solve Keta sea defence puzzle

Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Minister for Works and Housing, says he is working with the Finance Ministry to allocate funds for the construction of the second phase of the Keta Sea Defence wall project.

Asenso-Boakye said negotiations are still ongoing with the Finance Ministry to release funds for the second phase of a project that will cushion the people in the Keta Municipality against the brutal effect of tidal waves.

Speaking with Beatrice Adu on the Big Bulletin Tuesday (9 November), he said, “My Ministry has started the process for the implementation of the second face of the project. All the technical evaluation has been done and currently, we are actively working with the ministry of finance to raise the funds to start the implementation of the second face of the project’’

Timelines

Touching on the timelines for the second phase of the project, Asenso-Boakye said, “Normally a typical sea defends projects last for four years, but given the capacity of the contractor some are able to complete ahead of schedule… It will be implemented within a specific period of time.

“For now, I want to concern myself with working hard with the Ministry of Finance. At the end of the day that’s the bottom line, if you don’t have the money, you can’t implement it. As to whether it will last for four years that’s the key thing here.

He added, “The key thing is working hard to raise the money and we are in constant touch with the ministry of finance to sum all commitments. We are very hopeful that as he speaks next week on the current policy of the government for 2022, we hope it will be captured in the budget, then we start the process for the second phase.”

The minister’s comments come days after tidal waves ravaged homes of residents in Anloga and Keta in the Volta Region.

According to Asenso-Boakye, the completion of works under the second phase of the project is expected to cover a minimum coastal stretch of eight kilometres.

At least 3,000 people in the Keta Municipality have been rendered homeless after tidal waves swept through their homes on Sunday (7 November).

This year’s waves have affected many households and individuals, mainly displacing many residents and destroying fishing accoutrement, livestock, and other valuables.

Communities such as Abutiakope, Kedzikope and Keta Central were largely affected with residents left with nothing to salvage.

 

SOURCE: Asaase Radio