The Volta River Authority (VRA), managers of the Akosombo and Kpong Hydroelectric Power Dams, have dismissed media reports suggesting that it contracted waste management company, Zoomlion Limited, to fumigate communities impacted by the ongoing spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam.
“We wish to state that VRA has not awarded any contract to Zoomlion for the fumigation of communities impacted by the controlled spillage,” VRA stated in a statement issued by its Corporate Affairs and External Relations Unit.
The statement comes on reports that the power generation company has awarded a contract to Zoomlion Limited to fumigate communities impacted by the ongoing spillage.
Last Sunday, VRA, in collaboration with Zoomlion Limited, commenced a fumigation exercise in Mepe, one of the communities mostly impacted by the ongoing controlled spillage.
The exercise is expected to be repeated in other impacted communities.
However, Ghanaian investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, raised concerns over Zoomlion’s involvement in the whole exercise.
He claimed VRA had contracted the waste management company and questioned the thinking that went into the selection of Zoomlion.
Reacting to this, VRA stated categorically that it had not contracted Zoomlion.
“VRA acknowledges the assistance being offered by institutions, companies,
groups and individuals and will continue to work with all stakeholders in our relief efforts for the communities impacted by the controlled spillage from the Akosombo dam,” the statement concluded.
When this portal reached out to Zoomlion on the issue it denied having any contract with VRA.
“Zoomlion and VRA do not have any contract. If Manasseh Azure Awuni claims we have signed a contract with VRA he should show it to the world,” Ernest Morgan Acquah, the Public Relations and Corporate Affairs Manager said.
He accused Manasseh of engaging in baseless allegation.
Explaining the circumstances that led to the fumigation of the area, he said Zoomlion led by its executives and management presented a number relief items worth over GHS500, 000 to the victims of the spillage.
He added Ecozoil Limited which is a subsidiary of Jospong Group of Company also donated 500 life jackets to the media and rescue team supporting the situation on the ground.
He said during the presentation the company announced its intention to fumigate the affected areas once the water receded.
Mr. Acquah who accused the journalist of overlooking these humanitarian efforts challenged him to substantiate his claims.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com