Flood claim 11 lives

Eleven people died in the floods, which hit Accra and its surrounding areas last Wednesday, according to the Daily Graphic.

According to the Works and Housing Minister, Mr Kwamena Bartels, Accra recorded six deaths, while the MPs for Awutu- Senya and Ashaiman reported two deaths each in their constituencies. They were briefing Parliament on Thursday on the flood disaster, which affected most parts of Accra and its satellite towns.

But during a briefing of the Vice-President, Allhaji Mahama Aliu, after a tour of the affected areas, Dr K.K. Manfo, Greater Accra Regional Commander, said seven deaths were actually recorded by the police in Accra.

Mr Bartels told the House that about 100 families have also been displaced in the flood-prone areas and that the government was doing everything possible to bring relief to the victims. He said Accra and its surrounding areas will continue to experience floods because developers have flouted statutory regulations with impunity.

The minister disclosed that between 60 and 70 per cent of structures are illegal because their owners did not obtain building permits from the appropriate authorities.