In a decisive move towards addressing the persistent flood challenges in the Greater Accra Region, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, alongside the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, has launched the reconstruction of the Nima-Paloma storm drains.
The groundbreaking ceremony signifies a critical step in mitigating the perennial flooding issues affecting residents, commuters, traders, and businesses in Asylum Down and surrounding communities.
Mr. Nkrumah commended the chiefs and residents of Asylum Down, America, and the traders in the Odawnaa Market for their unwavering dedication and patience throughout the project’s planning stages. Their active participation in consultations for the engineering designs and the resettlement action plan has been pivotal to the project’s advancement.
“The current project has made significant strides in implementing key flood control programmes in Accra, despite some delays.”
Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister of Works and Housing
Mr. Nkrumah explained that the original project design did not include compensation for project-affected persons, necessitating a variation to ensure compensation was paid before contractors commenced work. Additionally, non-simultaneous design review processes contributed to further delays.
Mr. Nkrumah addressed the politicization of project delays, emphasizing that the commitment to the project’s success transcends political lines. He underscored the collaborative efforts of the New Patriotic Party, the National Democratic Congress, the World Bank, and the Government of Ghana. This unity is vital for the project’s success and continued progress.
The Minister expressed optimism that the collaborative spirit will persist, highlighting ongoing community upgrading interventions. These include constructing primary and secondary drains, improving vehicular access routes, enhancing solid waste management facilities, and developing water supply networks in flood-prone communities.
Comprehensive Flood Control Measures
Mr. Nkrumah also announced the commencement of performance-based dredging contracts for the Odaw River and the reconstruction of the broken sections of the Odaw channel at Agbogbloshie. Upcoming contracts will address drainage improvement works in Kaneshie, supported by Parliament’s approval of an additional $150 million.
“The 2024 National Flood Control Programme is an ongoing activity that includes dredging, concrete lining of storm drains, and removing critical bottlenecks in major drains. These measures aim to reduce residents’ vulnerability to flooding.”
Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister of Works and Housing
Acknowledging that structural interventions alone cannot eradicate flooding, Mr. Nkrumah highlighted the establishment of a flood early warning system for the Greater Accra region. This system will provide advanced notifications to residents in flood-prone areas, enabling them to protect their lives and properties.
Despite significant investments in flood control, Mr. Nkrumah emphasized that inappropriate behaviors, such as building in waterways and indiscriminate dumping of waste, undermine these efforts. He called for a behavioral change and urged local assemblies to proactively prevent such activities.
The Ministry of Works and Housing has included a public education campaign in the 2024 flood control programme to promote behavior change. Mr. Nkrumah called on the media, faith-based organizations, and educational authorities to support this initiative.
Mr. Nkrumah reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to creating resilient communities capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization. He urged all stakeholders to join hands in this effort to improve living conditions in the Greater Accra region.
The groundbreaking reconstruction of the Nima-Paloma storm drains represents more than just a significant infrastructural development. It symbolizes a unified commitment to sustainable flood mitigation, community collaboration, and proactive planning. This project is a testament to the collective efforts of the government, local communities, and various stakeholders to build a safer, more resilient Greater Accra Region.
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