We will allocate GH¢10 million to tackle coastal erosion
A call from the Minority urging the government to allocate some funds in the budget to resolve the tidal wave situation in Keta in the Volta Region has yielded some results as the government has decided to commit at least GH¢10 million to tackle the issue of coastal erosion in the communities that are worst affected.
Also, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta during a media briefing said the government is seeking a holistic way in resolving the issue of tidal waves which unfortunately displaced about 3,000 residents in the Anlo district, Keta and Ketu municipalities.
“We shall make necessary budgetary allocations of at least GH¢10 million to complete the feasibility and engineering studies for the coastal communities adversely affected,” the Minister said.
“We will broaden the scope of the study to consider a more comprehensive solution to protect Ghana’s 540 kilometres of coastlines, including the 149 kilometres between Aflao and Prampram,” Mr. Ofori-Atta added.
In clarifying how the issue will be resolved during the question and answer session, the Minister indicated that the cost of various sea defences ranges between GH¢3 million and GH¢50 million per 5 kilometres.
To settle on an adequate plan, Mr. Ofori-Atta revealed that “there is a real need to dig deep into understanding the type of technology that we need to use to make sure that we protect the coastline.”
This action will be welcoming news for the Minority caucus in Parliament as they called on the government to incorporate adequate measures to resolve the issue relating to the tidal wave flooding, and also demanding for an allocation for the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project to find space in the 2022 budget.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
