Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the sector minister for Works and Housing has inspected ongoing drainage work by the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project and the Ghana Hydrological Authority. The minister’s visit to the project sites is for firsthand assessment of the drainage situation before the rains set in.
In response to recent flooding challenges in some major cities, a number of government interventions have led to the construction of numerous drains and the ongoing desilting and maintenance of existing ones across the country.
The plan is to ensure that rainwater, especially, flows freely to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding. It is evident that choked gutters and drains are significant contributors to perennial flooding and for this reason, the teams initially visited the Odaw River, where Dredge Masters Limited (DML) was scooping out mud, weeds and rubbish ahead of the rains, which typically inundate the city. Subsequently, the team proceeded to Agbogbloshie, where First Choice Construction led desilting efforts of storm drains.
The Project Coordinator for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID), Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo stated the project’s objective to enhance solid waste and flood risk management within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).
The sector Minister for Works and Housing, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah urged the contractors to adhere to timelines with the onset of the rainy season in mind. Kasoa specifically the Iron City, is a known flood-prone area. Eno Engineering Solutions is currently constructing storm drains in this area to mitigate flooding, before the rainy season sets in. Similarly, at the Weija SCC traffic area, Kwamod Constructions is working on flood prevention measures. The Korkordjoor storm drain has already been completed.
The CEO OF Ghana Hydrological Authority, Dr John Kissi said these projects are to prevent flooding across the country. Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah called for collaboration between the local communities to take ownership and ensure proper maintenance of these projects.
The exercise is to keep drains and gutters within communities clear, for free-flow of water, and for the safety of all neighbourhoods, preventing destruction of lives and properties.
