President Mahama has declared that government will take drastic measures to reduce the impact of floods and fires similar to Wednesday’s incident that claimed over hundred lives and destroyed property do not occur again.
The president said that government has often been forced to compromise in dealing with residents who build on waterways in the capital but the time had come for lasting measures.
“We have to take some measures to avoid this in the future. Often when these measures are drastic, you have a lot of sympathy and pressure not to take these measures. But I think the time has come for us to move houses out of the waterways. The public should understand that it is necessary to take such measures to save everybody else.” the President stated.
‘Catastrophic’ and ‘Unprecedented’
President Mahama described the number of deaths reported in the fire and floods as catastrophic and almost unprecedented, stating that he was at a loss to explain his emotions.
“This loss of life is catastrophic, almost unprecedented. A lot of people have lost their lives. I am at a loss of words to express how I feel. Many of them through the floods, many still through and many still through the fire incident as a result of the explosion that took place. ”
‘Diligent’ Emergency personnel saved lots of lives
President Mahama also commended the emergency response personnel from the military, police and fire service for their handling of the situation and their commitment to their work.
“Yesterday, the emergency services, including the military, police and the fire service were all called out to come and help. They managed to rescue a large number of people but unfortunately a large number of people lost their lives.
“I want to take the opportunity to commend the security services for their diligence,” he said.
Condolences to the families of the deceased
The President expressed his condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives in the fire and those who lost their proper ties in the flood.
“I express my condolences to the several who have lost relatives and the victims of the flood. We will do the clean up and bring back to as normal as possible.”
By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana