Horvi residents appeal for sea defence wall

Residents of Horvi near Keta have appealed to the government to construct a sea defence wall to protect the community from tidal waves.

The appeal followed the wreckage in the community after three days of tidal waves last week that rendered more than 25 people homeless. 

Last month, a similar incident was said to have occurred at Fuveme and Dzita, also in the Volta Region, leading to the displacement of several people.

Though no death was recorded, residents vacated the area, and some are now living with relatives in neighbouring communities.

Worsening situation

Some residents feared the disaster could get worse if nothing was done to protect the community.

During a visit to the area, the assembly member of the area, Mr Wilberforce Gbetor, told the Daily Graphic, “The sea is destroying houses along the coast, especially from Horvi to Denu, and something must be done to salvage the situation.” 

He described the occurrence of the tidal waves as an ‘annual ritual’ which often occurred between July and September.

Mr Gbetor called on the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Keta Municipal Assembly to assist the victims with relief items.

Mobilisation of Funds

The Keta Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Sylvester Tornyeavah, explained that after the construction of the Keta sea defence wall, communities from Horvi, Blekuso to Denu had now become vulnerable to tidal waves.

He, however, asked the people to exercise patience as the government sought funds to construct a shoreline to protect the community.