Communities demand more from VRA

About 52 host and resettlement communities which are affected by the operations of the Volta River Authority (VRA) have called for a concerted and well-planned community development programme to mitigate the hardship of people in these areas.

The communities, most of which lack potable water, places of convenience and health facilities, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting between traditional leaders from the area and management of the VRA at Akosombo in the Eastern Region.

The stakeholders’ meeting, held under the theme “Strengthening Relationships with Communities”, afforded the VRA an opportunity of listening to concerns of the communities and to strengthen the existing relationship between the Authority and traditional rulers in the area.

“When there is a project to be undertaken in the area, the people in the project-communities should be consulted. We want a comprehensive plan that will alleviate the plight of the people,” one of the traditional rulers said.

“The issue of compensation is now like a fetish. There should be some transparent process for people to follow so they get their money,” another traditional ruler stated.

The Chief Executive Officer of the VRA, Kirk Koffi, in a statement read on his behalf said the Authority -- under the Community Development Programme which guides its support to host communities -- will empower the 52-plus communities to take action to improve the lives of people in the area.

He said the VRA in partnership with the Safe Water Network will develop good drinking water facilities for the towns.

“The drawings and bill of quantity have been submitted for review and eventual commencement. We will soon roll-out a scholarship scheme to support brilliant but needy students in these communities to acquire a university education,” Mr. Koffi said.

The construction of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams over 50 years ago caused the resettlement of many communities along the Volta Lake. The government and the VRA in 1996 established a Resettlement Trust Fund to support the resettled communities.

The Authority contributes US$500,000 per annum to the fund in support of the communities.

By Dominick Andoh | B&FT Online | Ghana