Work to commence on major drains in Accra soon – GARID
Mr Kojo Keelson, Drainage Engineer on the Greater Accra Resilience and Integrated Development project has revealed that some major drains have been marked for major works ahead of the June rains.
According to him, the move is part of efforts to tackle the perennial flooding that occurs in Accra.
He explained that the Works and Housing Ministry is currently inspecting the designs and after approval, contractors will be brought in to begin construction.
Mr Keelson added that the onset of the rains, stalled the project a bit.
“We have the Achimota drain, the Circle drain and the Kaneshie drain. Engineers have done their designs and they are being checked [by the ministry]. After they have been accepted by the Ministry, they will be costed and we’ll procure a contractor who would begin the construction,” he said.
Over the weekend, residents in parts of Accra demanded immediate action to address the flooding experienced in their communities any time it rains.
Downpour over the weekend saw several areas including Kaneshie flooded with vehicles unable to use the main road as a result of rushing floodwaters.
Previously, the government had resorted to other means to address the issue of flooding which included dredging the major drains at Circle and Alajo, but that has not resolved the situation permanently as the drains get chocked again not long after they have been dredged.
The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development project was instituted to improve flood risk and solid waste management in the Odaw River basin and improve access to basic infrastructure and services in the targeted flood-prone low-income communities in the Greater Accra Region.
The initial phase of the project covers five years, 2020-2025. It is funded by the World Bank and has been designed to address most of the flood-related challenges.
