By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Keta (V/R), July 3, GNA-A team of technical experts and workmen from the Volta River Authority (VRA) have commenced work to open the Havedzi flood gate, in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, a critical structure located along the Keta lagoon.
The move was part of efforts to regulate water levels and prevent flooding in surrounding communities by paving the way for the lagoon water to flow into the sea.
The exercise also saw the technical team mount heavy-duty chain hoists onto the concrete gate structure in preparation for the manual lifting operation.
Clad in safety gear including reflective vests, hard hats and life jackets, the workmen worked meticulously to secure the chains and pulleys that would be used to hoist open the heavy gate mechanism.
Mr Wisdom Seade, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Keta, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said that the Havedzi flood gate formed part of the broader Keta Sea Defence and lagoon management infrastructure, which has for years served as a vital control point for managing the interaction between the Keta lagoon and the sea, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and tidal surges.
“Officials at the scene have also explained that the periodic opening of the gate is a routine but essential exercise aimed at releasing excess water from the lagoon, thereby reducing pressure on the embankments and mitigating the risk of flooding in low-lying communities within the affected areas,” he said.
He explained to the Ghana News Agency that, safety of the residents remained a top priority during the operation, stating that the team of technical men followed strict protocols to ensure the gate was opened without compromising the integrity of the surrounding structure.
Mr Seade assured community members who gathered to observe the exercise to believe and trust the development and support the move prevent delays in opening the gate and contribute meaningfully to enable flooding incident that affected homes, farmlands and roads within the catchment area to be solved.
“The technical team is expected to complete the exercise today or early tomorrow morning, the water levels within the lagoon will be closely monitored to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.”
He further assured residents of continued engagement and prompt action to address flood-related concerns, even as work progresses on enable residents to be aware of all the development activities in the area.
Mr Seade also disclosed that all the necessary technical men, technocrats and other authorities were consulted who provided ideas and suggestions for the opening of the gate to solve the devastation caused by the flood.
GNA further gathered the Keta MCE together with Anlo District Chief Executive, Madam Sendra Seyram Kpedor have held public engagement with residents in Anlo-Afiadenyigba, Kedzi, among others towards the opening of the floodgates at Havedzi to curb any misconception about the exercise.
GNA also observed that activities are also ongoing to cut the sandbar to allow easy flow of the sea water into the sea.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah /KennethOdeng Adade