Rescue us from devastating erosion-Residents of Apirede plead

Residents of Apirede in the Akuapem North Municipal in the Eastern region are appealing to government to save the community from devastation caused by erosion.

Many houses are collapsing in the low-lying town within the Akuapem Mountains, leaving inhabitants in an uncomfortable situation.

Some of the people are said to be already deserting the town for more suitable settlement.

The sloppy nature of Apirede landscape, just below the Akuapem Range makes the town highly prone to erosion.

Streets are inaccessible in the town believed to be the oldest in the Akuapem area.

Running water cuts through homes anytime it rains, leaving foundation of houses almost hanging mid-air.

Those buildings, though not originally designed storey-buildings, now enjoys that status bestowed on them by erosion.

The community, led by the Chief, Nana Saforo Okuampah III , initiated a project five years ago to improve the drainage system, but works has stalled for lack of funds.

Over 20 thousand Ghana cedis has so far been spent on the project with little impact for the people.

The telling effect on farming which is the main means of livelihood is what is forcing people out of the town.

'Anytime it rains, whether light or heavy, the whole area floods because of the topography of the town…Those in low-land areas would be forced to relocate. If it is not done now, lives could be lost'', a resident complained.

School children have to abandon classrooms during heavy downpour to avoid drowning in deep gullies created by running water.

“Students who schools at Adukrom are unable to go to school because those of us downstream get flooded, you cannot even walk because of deep gullies and man-holes that have been created because of absence of good drainage”, said a resident.

Another resident said “Apirede could soon exist by name if nothing is done to improve drainage system”.

Nana Okoampah used the recent Odwira Festival to appeal for immediate government intervention.

The worry depicted in his speech on behalf of his people tells it all of the difficult life the people of Apirede have had to endure.

“Erosion is very serious here…there are no drains so in fact there are some areas that have been completely cut off from the rest of Akuapim. You can imagine a farmer going to the farm to harvest some produce, it needs transportation so when it rains, all the areas where he farms are completely cut-off”.

Meanwhile, MP for Okere, Dan Kwaku Botwe, under whose jurisdiction Apirede falls, responded to the chief's appeal by pledging 100 bags of cement for the project.

Akuapem North Municipal assembly said support from the Ministry of Works and Housing is required to improve the drainage system due to the high cost involved.

Municipal Chief Executive, George Opare Addo said government must act swiftly.

He assured the assembly will use part of the District Development Fund if it fails to garner support from the Ministry.