Iyke: Catholic Bishop recommends actions to forestall flood recurrence

17-09-13

An affected house

Most Rev Alfred Agyenta in a tit chat with some community members

The Catholic Bishop of the Bolgatanga-Navrongo Diocese, Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, had challenged traditional authorities in Bunkpurugu and its adjoining communities to employ permanent solution to the perennial flooding situation in the area. He observed that the little resources often given to flood victims by NGOs and other corporate organisations were not the best solution in addressing the issue. For him, flooding in parts of Northern Ghana has become an annual ritual that requires preventive interventions to forestall it occurrence. Most Rev Agyenta, made the recommendation when he led a team to assess the flooding situation in the affected areas of the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District. Recent torrential rainfall that hit parts of the district caused extensive damage to properties including large tracks of farmlands. The five day incessant rainfall destroyed portions of the roads making it muddy and inaccessible, whilst many were rendered homeless. The most affected areas included Binde, Jilik, Kparisok and Najong No 1 and 2. These predominantly farming areas are still counting their loses as most households have run out of food because their livestock and food stuffs were washed away during the downpour. The visit of the team was in response to calls by the affected communities. Their first point of call was at Binde, where Most Rev Agyenta and his delegation accompanied by the District NADMO Coordinator payed homage to the Pib-Rana at his palace. They were assisted by the District Information Officer, Charles Wuni as well as members of a youth committee set up to ensure the welfare of the affected victims. Most Rev Agyenta in a message expressed his sympathy to the affected communities and assured the people of the church’s support in alleviating their plight. He asked the chief to liaise with the duty bearers in providing a permanent remedy to the situation rather than depending on relief items in times of flooding and other natural disasters. The Pib-Rana, Banzua Kolugu Mammara, who was inspired by the words of the Bishop commended the catholic diocese for their support over the years and appealed for their continuous support inn tackling the issue. He said efforts would be made to prevent future occurrences. The team later visited Najong No 1 and 2 to assess the extent of damage caused to affected houses. At the end of the visit relief items in the form of food and other materials were handed over to the youth committee members for onward distribution to the affected victims. The items valued at about GHc14,000 included 57 bags of maize, 144 litres of cooking oil and 75 sleeping mats. Based on the statistics provided by the District NADMO Coordinator, Mr Wuni Sugri, about 9,000 persons in 34 communities were affected by the floods.

GBC END IA/