The Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe and Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has issued an emotional appeal to government for urgent intervention following severe flooding in parts of his constituency caused by the spillage of the Weija Dam.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday just before the House adjourned sitting for Friday, the visibly distressed legislator described the worsening humanitarian situation in flood-hit communities, revealing that residents had been trapped, displaced and left struggling for survival over the past several days.
The legislator to parliament that he had personally joined rescue efforts in affected areas, saying he had been “swimming for the past three days helping people to evacuate.”
“My people are dying. We are suffering,” he lamented as he appealed directly to government and the Majority Leader to intervene immediately.
“Please come to our aid,” he pleaded.
The flooding, triggered by heavy rains and spillage from the Weija Dam, has once again exposed the vulnerability of communities along the Densu River Basin, particularly in low-lying areas including Tetegu and adjoining settlements.
Residents in the constituency have for years battled recurrent flooding during the rainy season, with poor drainage systems, blocked culverts and increasing encroachment on waterways worsening the impact of heavy downpours.
Several homes, properties and businesses have been submerged, while some residents have been forced to evacuate to safer locations as floodwaters continue to rise.
The parliamentary appeal by Hon. Shaib is expected to intensify pressure on key state institutions, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, and the Interior Ministry, to deploy emergency support to affected communities.
The latest flooding has renewed calls for long-term solutions to perennial flooding in the Weija enclave, including dredging of waterways, enforcement of building regulations on flood plains, and major investments in drainage systems.
By: Christian Kpesese
