Akate, (E/R), Oct. 30, GNA - Flood waters from the Afram River have submerged seven communities near Akate in the Upper Manya Krobo District, rendering 32,000 people homeless. Farm lands of the affected communities and their property have been destroyed, including an acre teak nursery of 80,000 seedlings, which were being developed for the government's afforestation project in the area.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the Upper Manya District Chief Executive, Mr Joseph Angmor and the Regional Co-ordinator of the National Disaster Management organization, (NADMO) Mr Ransford Owusu-Boakye, on Friday, visited the Akate community to assess the extent of the havoc caused by the floods. The communities are, Akaten, Piokope, Fantem, Akotua, Bukunor, Akokoma, Sasem and part of the Akate market. The Regional Minister and his entourage were transported on a boat on the River to observe the deserted communities. At a meeting with the Minister, the people appealed for the rehabilitation of Asesewa-Akate road and the sale of outboard motors to them at subsidized prizes.

The Chairman of the Landing Beach Pre-mix Committee, Mr George Agbedom, appealed for an increase in the pre-mix fuel supplied to the canoe owners at the beach from one load a week to three loads. He explained that the current quantity was not enough to meet the needs of the boat owners in the area. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo appealed to the people living in safe areas to offer support and accommodation to their relations who had been displaced.

He called on the assembly to formulate a proper layout plan for the development of the community. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo urged the affected people reconsider building again in the affected areas when the water subsides because the regulations on the settlement along the river would be strictly enforced to avert future occurrences. Later, he presented plastic bowls, cups, plates, mats, three bales of used clothing, boxes of soap and bags of rice to the communities. 30 Oct. 10