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0 The Awormefia of the Anlo State, Torgbui Sri III, has issued a strong appeal to the government to urgently tackle the ongoing challenges of coastal erosion and the sandbar blockade at Azizadzi, which has severely disrupted trade and livelihoods in the southern Volta Region.
Delivering his address as the special guest of honour at the 2025 Dzita Easter Homecoming Festival, Torgbui Sri highlighted the devastating impact of the sandbar, which has rendered the waterway from Anyanui in the Anloga District to Ada nearly impassable for traders who rely on canoe transport for their economic survival.
“This sandbar is not merely a natural obstruction—it poses a serious threat to the economic survival of our people. The inability to transport goods such as firewood and foodstuffs between Anyanui and Ada has resulted in job losses and hardship,” he stated.
Torgbui Sri revealed that around three years ago, a private initiative led by the CEO of Chill River Resort at Tunu attempted to clear the sandbar and open alternative routes for river transport. However, he stressed that such community-led interventions are not sustainable and called for immediate government action—particularly from the Volta River Authority (VRA).
“This is beyond the capacity of individuals to resolve. The government, through the VRA and other relevant agencies, must take swift steps to dredge the area and restore the river route. This waterway is a lifeline for our traders and cannot be overlooked,” he emphasised.
He also took the opportunity to appeal for long-term solutions to the worsening problem of coastal erosion affecting several communities across the southern stretch of the Volta Region. Torgbui Sri warned that continued inaction could lead to further displacement of residents and the destruction of livelihoods.
The sandbar blockade at the Volta River Estuary in Ada has also adversely affected the livelihoods of riverine communities living along the upstream Volta River. The Awormefia noted that the situation has negatively impacted fishery production, mangrove growth, and other aquatic biodiversity—posing serious economic implications for people within the Anloga District.
Representing the government at the event was Mr Alex Segbefia, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, who conveyed a message from both the President and Vice President. He assured the people of Dzita and the Anloga District of the government’s commitment to fulfilling all developmental promises made to the community.
“The government is fully aware of the challenges you face—from coastal erosion and infrastructure to economic constraints. I want to assure you that these concerns are being treated with the seriousness they deserve and will be addressed,” Mr Segbefia affirmed.
The Dzita Easter Homecoming Festival continues to serve as a key cultural and development platform for the people of Dzita and the wider Anloga District. This year’s edition brought together hundreds of residents and dignitaries to celebrate their heritage, deliberate on pressing local issues, and raise funds for community development initiatives.
With renewed calls from traditional leadership and assurances from state representatives, hopes remain high that both coastal protection and the restoration of the Anyanui-Ada waterway will soon receive the urgent attention they require.
