Minister for Works and Housing Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has cut sod for the reconstruction of the Nima-Paloma storm drain, which runs from Asylum Down to the Odaw Channel.
The reconstruction is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen flood resilience in communities along the Odaw River basin.
Speaking at the sod cutting, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah commended the officials of Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project for the progress made despite delays, which he attributed to compensation packages for those affected by the project.
He explained that compensation had to be settled before contractors could commence work, and cited challenges with the design review processes as additional reasons for the project delays.
“This significant milestone is expected to help reduce the perennial flooding challenges in Accra and bring much-needed relief to residents, commuters, traders, and businesses, especially those in Asylum Down and the communities upstream,” he stressed.
The Minister said the GARID project will not only upgrade the drainage infrastructure but also includes the performance-based dredging of the Odaw River and the reconstruction of the broken sections of the Odaw channel at Achimota-Abofu.
He announced future drainage improvement plans for Kaneshie, which will be executed in two lots: the construction of a storm drain from Accra Academy to Pramprom Junction, and another from the Bank of Ghana Quarters to the Odaw.
“In the coming weeks, contracts will be signed for drainage improvement works in Kaneshie in two lots. Works will commence with the relocation of utilities, after the completion of the ongoing resettlement of project-affected persons,” he added.
These developments, he explained are part of the broader 2024 National Flood Control Programme, which involves dredging activities, concrete lining of storm drainage channels, and the removal of critical bottlenecks in major drains, particularly in flood hotspots across the country.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah disclosed that the government’s newly launched Flood Early Warning System would be ready ahead of the next rainy season.
“While structural interventions alone cannot completely eradicate the flooding challenges in Accra, the Ministry of Works and Housing, in collaboration with the Ghana Hydro Authority, Water Resources Commission, Ghana Meteorological Agency, and NADMO through the GARID Project, is establishing a flood early warning system for the Greater Accra Region.
“The early warning system will provide advanced notification of impending floods to residents in flood-prone communities so they can take steps to protect lives and properties ahead of a flooding event.”
Present at the sod-cutting were Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover, Member of Parliament for the area Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, GARID Project Coordinator Dr. Ohene Sarfo, Municipal Chief Executive Samuel James Nii Adjei Tawiah, Atukpai Mantse II Nii Tetteh Adjabeng, among other notable dignitaries.
GARID Project Coordinator
Dr. Ohene Sarfo, GARID Project Coordinator praised government’s efforts in improving the country’s drainage infrastructure.
He pledged strong coordination from his office to ensure the timely execution and completion of the project.
Dr. Ohene Sarfo provided further details on the construction works.
According to him, the construction of the 10-meter by 3-meter, 1-kilometer drain is expected to take 18 months.
He said measures are in place to ensure that that the contractor delivers according to the project timeline without compromising the quality of work.
Dr. Sarfo added that the commencement of the project is a crucial step towards addressing the flooding issues that have long affected Accra’s residents and businesses emphasizing that it holistic approach, encompassing dredging, reconstruction, and new drainage systems, aims to create a more resilient and safer environment for all.
He urged residents to bear with the constructors as they work around the clock to bring relief to them.
Regional Minister’s warning
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr. Titus Nii Glover, cautioned residents along the Odaw River basin, particularly around the Nima-Paloma drain, to desist from acts of open defecation and dumping solid waste into the drain.
He served notice that those who defecate openly or dump refuse into the drains would face penalties.
“Government efforts in improving our drainage systems are commendable, and it is imperative that residents also do their part. Open defecation and refuse dumping into drains will not be tolerated, and offenders will be dealt with,” the Regional Minister warned.
He announced heightened supervisory measures being put in place by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council to apprehend all persons involved in such acts.
About GARID
The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project aims to improve flood risk management and solid waste management in the Odaw River basin, and enhance access to basic infrastructure and services in targeted flood-prone, low-income communities in the Greater Accra region.
