The government has indicated that some structures located in flood-prone areas may be demolished as part of a broader strategy to reduce future flooding and protect lives and property.
A team led by Brigadier General Forster Okae Yeboah, Coordinator of the Flood Mitigation Task Force, recently conducted inspections at several flood-control and drainage sites across parts of Accra. The delegation included Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) Stanislav Dogbe, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, and Brigadier General Richard Kinney, Commander of the 15 Engineer Brigade.
The inspection covered key locations including the Tesa Dam near the East Legon Boundary Road, communities such as Damfa, Amrahia and Oyarifa, as well as the Kpeshie Lagoon and a major storm drain along Teshie Bush Road.
The exercise forms part of the government’s post-flood response programme, which is being spearheaded by the Ghana Armed Forces following directives to support nationwide flood mitigation efforts. To facilitate the operation, engineering teams have been equipped with excavators, tipper trucks and other machinery required for dredging and drainage works.
According to information shared by the Presidency, some of the measures under consideration include the removal of structures that obstruct waterways or pose a threat to public safety during periods of heavy rainfall.
At the Tesa Dam, officials observed extensive encroachment that has significantly reduced the dam’s capacity to retain water. The team identified several unauthorised retention walls and structures constructed within the dam’s designated area. These installations have reportedly been marked for demolition to restore the functionality of the facility.
The inspection also revealed a densely populated informal settlement near the dam, consisting mainly of wooden structures. Authorities expressed concerns about poor sanitation conditions and the potential risks the settlement poses to both public health and flood management efforts.
As a result, portions of the affected area have been earmarked for possible demolition as part of ongoing efforts to restore water retention infrastructure, improve drainage systems and minimise the impact of future flooding events.
Government officials say the interventions are intended to strengthen flood resilience, safeguard communities and prevent a recurrence of the widespread destruction experienced during the recent floods.
Source: 3news.com
