Sandema/Wiaga (UER), Aug. 29, GNA - More than 700 people in Builsa District in the Upper East Region have been rendered homeless as a result of heavy rains in the area last week.

The victims have taken refuge in classrooms, community centres and others lodging with their relatives. These came to light when Mr Alhassan Samari, Upper East Regional Minister and his Deputy Mrs Agnes A. Chigabatia visited the affected areas.

They were accompanied by Upper East Regional Director of Highways, Feeder Roads Engineer and Heads of Departments to re-assess the situation and make recommendations to government and other organizations for assistance.

Some of the areas visited were, Sandema, Bongo, Bawku and Kulungugu Bridge, a major international bridge linking Ghana to Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali.

Mr Samari assured the victims that plans were underway to address their plight and should exercise some patience. Mrs Chigabatia who is also Member of Parliament for Builsa North purchased some relief items with her share of the MP's common fund and with assistance from the Upper East Regional Secretariat of National Disaster Mobilization Organization donated them to the victims. They included mattresses, buckets, mats, drinking cups, lanterns and used clothes.

Speaking to Ghana News Agency, most of the victims said their properties including farm produce and farmlands were washed away and finding it difficult to fend for their families. Within Bolgatanga Municipality many articulated and cargo trucks carting goods from Ghana to Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali were stranded and lined up on the main road obstructing traffic. The drivers expressed concern about the collapsed Kulungugu Bridge that was affecting their business since they could not transport their goods to the neighbouring countries.