By Prince Afedoh
Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio.
This is why charity organisations have stepped up donations of medical supplies to the Asutuare Health Centre in response to concerns about the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases due to the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
The Volta Regional Health Directorate has already emphasised the need for immediate attention to the dire situation. This comes after several latrines and open places of convenience were inundated with flood water following the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
Despite losing half a million dollars to the flooding at their 45 hectares Banana Plantation in Torgorme in the Volta Region, management of Gloden Exotics Group has dropped in its widow’s mite to support victims.
Through their philanthropic arm, they donated medical supplies for the treatment of water-borne diseases, malaria, and skin diseases to three affected communities. Management led by the Corporate Affairs and Administration Manager of the company, Mr. Mark Achel, first called on the chiefs and management of the Asutuare Health Centre, where the company presented some medical supplies valued at GH¢ 38000.00.
The company also donated 20 bags of rice to the 26 people affected by the spillage in the area. The team at Kewum and Atrobinya, all in the North Torngu District in the Volta Region, also made donations to the 460 affected people from Avakpo, Volivo Landor, and Atrobinya.
They received 190 bags of rice, 12 boxes of cooking oil, 55 blankets, 55 mattresses, and 55 treated mosquito nets. At Torgorme, 30 bags of rice, 20 mattresses, 20 blankets, 20 mosquito nets, and boxes of cooking oil were handed over to the 56 victims in the community.
Management also presented separate relief items to the over three hundred victims at Alabonu. It included 100 bags of rice, 35 mattresses, 35 blankets,35 mosquito nets and 5 boxes of cooking oil.
The last port of call was Fodzoku, where about 256 displaced people from Kesegakofe are currently lodging at Fodzoku EP/DA School. Victims said they lost everything to the disaster, which has disrupted normal activities. They received 80 bags of rice, 30 mattresses, 30 blankets, 5 boxes of oil, two boxes of mosquito coils, and 30 mosquito nets.
Affected residents said they are grateful to the government and organisations for their support and appealed for more donations.
Mr. Hammond Harry Nyaledudzi said their urgent need right now is drinking water since their source of clean water has been polluted by the spillage.
Mr. Kudzo Homeku said his condition as a physically challenged person is worrying him because he finds himself sleeping in a classroom, making life very difficult for him, and he is worried the children are at risk of contracting all kinds of sickness.
The Corporate Affairs Manager of the company, Mr. Mark Achel, pledged his company’s continued assistance to all the affected communities.
Some of the affected communities are in dire need of potable drinking water and are pleading with charitable groups to come to their aid.
