Regional News of Thursday, 1 June 2006

Source: GNA

Flood displaces 700 people at Boatenkrom

Boatenkrom (Ash), June 1, GNA - At least 700 people at Boatenkrom, near Nyinahin in the Atwima-Mponus district of Ashanti have been rendered homeless when River Nkyenkyen which flows through the town flooded after a heavy downpour last Tuesday. The floods destroyed 47 houses and property worth several millions of cedis belonging to the victims, most of whom are farmers. The incident, according to eyewitnesses, could have been more disastrous but for the fact that most of the victims had left for their farms.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency after visiting some of the victims to assess the extent of damage caused by the floods, Mr Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah, the District Chief Executive, warned the citizenry to desist from constructing houses along waterways. He gave the assurance that the district assembly was putting in place measures to assist the victims who were now living with their friends and relatives. Mr Owusu-Ansah therefore appealed to philanthropists and corporate bodies to endeavour to support the victims in cash and kind. There were no casualties.