By Michael Foli Jackidy
Weta (V/R), June 23, GNA – The Ketu North Municipal Assembly has rolled out immediate action to address severe flooding at the Weta Irrigation Scheme, following an engineering assessment that identified a blocked natural waterway as the main cause of the crisis, which threatens more than 880 hectares of rice farms.
The flooding has submerged large portions of farmland, damaged branch irrigation canals and affected local road networks, raising concerns among hundreds of farmers whose livelihoods depend on rice cultivation.
The Assembly therefore convened an emergency stakeholder meeting to deliberate on measures to prevent further destruction and restore normalcy at the irrigation scheme.
The meeting was chaired by Reverend Martin Amenaki, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ketu North, and attended by the Municipal Coordinating Director, Torgbui Adjei III, Chief of Atiteti, representatives of the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), management of Diamond Solar Salt, Assembly Members, and Unit Committee members.
An engineering assessment conducted during the meeting revealed that Diamond Solar Salt had obstructed a natural waterway by constructing salt pond bunds across it.
The obstruction has prevented excess water from the irrigation scheme from flowing into the lagoon, causing water to backflow into the agricultural basin and worsening the flooding situation.
To safeguard the irrigation infrastructure and protect farmers’ livelihoods, Rev Amenaki issued a series of directives, ordering Diamond Solar Salt to immediately remove all obstructions from the natural waterway.
The company, which indicated that its main excavator was under repair, was further directed to procure alternative machinery and comply within 24 hours.
The Assembly also announced plans to undertake a comprehensive dredging exercise of the canal network when water levels recede to a safe engineering threshold.
Officials indicated that the dredging would serve as a long-term solution to the recurring flooding challenges affecting the irrigation scheme.
Following the meeting, a delegation from the Assembly visited the affected areas to monitor compliance with the directives and assess the extent of damage.
The Ketu North Municipal Assembly appealed to traditional authorities, community leaders, and corporate organisations to cooperate fully in efforts to restore the agricultural basin and maintain peace in the affected communities.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, strengthening agricultural productivity, and collaborating with stakeholders to prevent future flooding incidents at the Weta Irrigation Scheme.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah