The sector minister, Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, inspected the progress of work on major storm drain projects being undertaken in flood-prone areas of Accra. The construction of the storm drains forms part of the government’s commitment to mitigate perennial flooding during rainy seasons.
At Dansoman Otodjor, a 1km earth drain has been designed to channel runoff from several communities, including Tabora, Anyaa, Sowutoum, Santa Maria, Awoshie, and parts of Mallam, directly into the ocean. The construction of the 1km earth drain follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama after the affected areas were hit by severe flooding last year. The intervention is expected to ease pressure on existing drains and reduce the risk of displacement during downpours.
Hon. Kenneth Adjei also assessed work on other flooding projects under construction, notably the Kaneshie Drain Channel, which runs from Accra Academy through First Light to Kaneshie, and the drain channel from Bank of Ghana Quarters through Abossey Okai and Christ Temple to the Odaw channel.
The sector Minister observed that work is progressing steadily at the various sites. Dredging of major waterways across selected areas of Accra have also commenced, mitigating severity of flooding.
While commending the progress of the ongoing projects, the sector Minister emphasized that engineering solutions alone cannot end Accra’s flooding if human activities continue to undermine the effectiveness of the projects.
The sector Minister announced a crackdown on developers encroaching on waterways and wetlands. “We will not allow what they are doing to cause flooding in Accra. We will move in to remove all those structures they are trying to put up, and they will be penalized,” the minister stated.
The Minister further cautioned Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies against issuing permits for construction on waterways and wetlands. “Those giving unnecessary permits for buildings on waterways will be identified, and the law will deal with them.”
Hon Kenneth Gilbert Adjei stressed that strict enforcement of planning regulations is critical to preserving natural drainage systems and protecting vulnerable communities as authorities ramp up preparations for the rains.
