Residents of Ahanta West and Nzema East municipalities who were displaced by recent rains have been supported with relief items by the Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL).
The items include 70 bags of 25kg rice, 40 bags of sugar, 40 bags of sachet-water and 60 pieces of blankets. The rest are 15 bags of gari, 70 boxes of tomato-paste and 40 boxes of 1litre vegetable cooking oil, as well as 400 gallons of liquid soap amounting to GH¢135,000
According to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), no casualties were recorded. About 4,000 houses were affected and the occupants are currently lodging with family members and friends, while others are sleeping at churches and classrooms within the communities.
Marc Genot, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Société Internationale de Plantation Heaven said: “The situation is very sad; I witnessed it myself and there was nothing the residents could do.
“The communities are so precious to us, and we have to support and put smiles on their faces. GREL will continue to support the communities within which it operates.”
Nana Agyemang IX, president of the Association of Chiefs on Whose Land GREL Operates (ACLANGO), noted that the company has been very supportive over the years.
“Thanks for your prompt response. I assure you that all the items presented will be duly used for their intended purpose,” he said.
Going forward, he urged municipal engineers and building inspectors to inspect the land before permits are issued for a project. This, he explains, will prevent floods in the future.
John Agyare, Ahanta West Municipal Chief Executive Officer, said what happened in the municipality was devastating as more than eight communities were submerged in the rains.
He commended GREL for being supportive: “What you have done here is overwhelming”.
Anthony Ernest Amoah, Nzema East NADMO Director, mentioned that 11 communities and 2,227 people were affected.
“We are pleading with individuals and companies in the municipality to come to their aid,” he appealed.
Mavis Abena Johnson, Deputy Director of NADMO, added that 889 buildings had collapsed; rendering the people homeless.
