Following catastrophic flooding that ravaged Samreboi in the Western Region, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has unveiled strategies to dredge parts of the Tano River and rehabilitate its banks.
Prof. Browne Klutse revealed these measures whilst touring the devastated locality alongside an EPA team, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), and the local Assembly Member, to evaluate the severity of the destruction.
During the inspection, the EPA chief noted that initial evaluations indicated the deluge was primarily triggered by the Tano River bursting its banks and submerging the surrounding neighbourhood.
She observed that the structural soundness of the riverbanks had been drastically weakened, leaving the town exceptionally exposed to subsequent deluges if the downpours persist.
To combat this, she announced that the EPA plans to clear sediment from the waterway to enhance water movement, given that multiple areas are currently obstructed.
Furthermore, reinforced concrete barriers will be built along sections nearest to the settlement to fortify the edges and ward off future overflows.
Prof. Browne Klutse also delivered a stern admonition regarding illicit mining and other practices that contaminate or clog watercourses.
She reaffirmed that mining within river channels is strictly against the law and emphasised that perpetrators would confront severe legal consequences.
Meanwhile, local residents impacted by the disaster recounted their traumatic experiences, noting that many of their homes had collapsed, and urged the state to provide urgent assistance.
