The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Honourable Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has conducted a comprehensive inspection of major storm drain projects in flood-prone areas of Accra.
He assessed the progress of engineering works aimed at mitigating the city’s perennial drainage challenges during heavy downpours.
Honourable Ken inspected ongoing flood control works across key parts of Accra earlier today. The progress was visible. The outlook was encouraging.
At Dansoman Otojor, construction of a 1-kilometre earth drain is underway. The project is designed to channel stormwater away from surrounding communities.
These include Tabora, Anyaa, Sowutoum, Santa Maria, Awoshie, and parts of Mallam. The drainage system will direct water straight into the ocean.
Residents in these areas have long struggled with flooding.
He monitored the construction sites to ensure contractors maintain the required pace ahead of the peak rainy season. Honourable Adjei expressed satisfaction with the technical precision observed at selected sites, where hydro-engineering standards have met national requirements.
The Minister specifically commended Kytech for demonstrating high-quality workmanship in managing hydro structures, noting that the company has accelerated its pace of work following earlier concerns about project timelines.
Departmental heads accompanied the Minister to verify that debris removal has continued uninterrupted to prevent future blockages.
The Minister emphasised that completing these drains remains a top priority for the state to safeguard lives and property.
During the tour, the Minister observed several instances of individuals using refuse to fill critical waterways for unauthorized construction. He identified these actions as a primary cause of severe flooding in surrounding communities.
According to him, the Ministry has coordinated with local authorities to identify structures obstructing the natural flow of water.
Honourable Adjei stated that the Government is determined to remove all illegal pillars and foundations within designated zones.
Legislative instruments have supported planned enforcement actions against developers who flout building regulations.
The Minister explained that the state intends to recover demolition costs from owners of illegal properties.
Technical teams from the Ministry have presented data showing a clear correlation between blocked channels and rising water levels in residential areas. Mr. Adjei used this evidence to justify an impending crackdown on unauthorized developments across the city.
Addressing the media, the Minister questioned the logic of building in designated drainage areas while expecting government intervention during disasters.
Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources“How can you build in a waterway and then complain when it causes flooding? I just don’t understand why sometimes we reason this way as human beings. People build here, and the next moment they say the government is not doing anything about floods.”
He issued a final warning to those erecting structures in prohibited zones.
The Honourable Minister concluded the first phase of his inspection by urging contractors to work ahead of the three-month schedule to beat the onset of the rains.
Enforcement Measures Intensify Against Illegal Waterway Structures And Permit Authorities
The Minister also directed focus during his working visit to the legal consequences facing those who violate environmental and building regulations.
He announced that a specialized task force will soon visit identified sites to enforce the immediate cessation of illegal filling activities.
Honourable Adjei scrutinised the role of local authorities in granting permits for construction within known drainage paths.
He disclosed that officials who approve such developments will face internal investigations and possible legal sanctions.
The Government has also intensified public education on the natural role of certain landscapes during the rainy season.
The Minister of Works and Housing noted that some areas are designated to store excess rainwater and must remain free from human interference.
He stressed that the law will deal firmly with anyone undermining national flood prevention efforts.
He directed this warning at both individual developers and companies supplying machinery for illegal activities.
The Minister called on citizens to act as watchdogs by reporting suspicious construction in their communities, emphasizing that public vigilance strengthens the Ministry’s ability to intervene before such structures become permanent.
“We are going to come after those building in waterways. The rains are about to start, and we will not allow their actions to bring flooding to the people of Accra.”
Hon. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources
Mr. Adjei also highlighted the financial strain placed on the state when responding to avoidable flood disasters, arguing that prevention is far more efficient than managing the aftermath.
The Ministry has continued to monitor all contractors on government projects to ensure value for money. The Minister warned that any firm failing to meet quality standards or delivery timelines will be publicly named.
Work on the storm drains has progressed with renewed urgency as weather patterns suggest an early start to the rainy season. He also described the current progress as a significant step toward building a flood-resilient Accra.
He also reminded developers that voluntarily demolishing illegal structures remains an option to avoid additional penalties, as the government prepares heavy equipment to begin clearing waterways in the coming weeks.
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