General News of Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Source: yen.com.gh

Sierra Leone mudslide raises concerns over potential disaster in Aburi - NADMO

McCarthy Hills McCarthy Hills

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has said it is currently deliberating with the Ministry of Works and Housing on the feasibility of removing building that have been built on hilltops.

NADMO’s concern about the possibility of a disaster in hilly areas that have been converted into residential communities, follows the tragic mudslide in Sierra Leone.

A week ago, over 400 people lost their lives, with thousands of others displaced when a community just outside Freetown was overrun with muddy waters.

In a report by MyJoyOnline.com, the head of NADMO, Eric Nana Agyemang Prempeh expressed concern over the possible destruction of natural vegetative covers when these residential settlements were being built.

He named Aburi, Weija and McCarthy Hills as among the areas where houses being built have negatively affected the natural landscape.

Mr. Agyemang Prempeh believes the removal of these settlements will protect the land, and in turn prevent disasters and save lives.

Government had earlier sent about $1 million in relief items including medication, food, clothing and logistics for shelter.

The NADMO boss is part of the delegation that was sent to deliver the items to Sierra Leone and commiserate with them during this difficult period.

President Akufo-Addo extended his sympathies to the country on behalf of the Ghanaian people, and former President Mahama also sent a message of solidarity to the people of Sierra Leone.