The President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering has stated that Accra’s persistent flooding problem is largely the result of human activities rather than rainfall alone. According to the institution, poor waste disposal, uncontrolled urban development, the paving over of natural drainage areas, and weak planning systems have severely reduced the city’s ability to manage stormwater effectively.
The engineers noted that many drainage systems in Accra were designed for a much smaller city and can no longer cope with rapid urban growth and increasing rainfall intensity. Choked drains, loss of wetlands, and construction on waterways have further worsened the situation, causing floods to occur more frequently and with greater impact.
The institution is calling for a major shift in Ghana’s flood management strategy, including better urban planning, improved waste management, modern drainage infrastructure, and greater coordination among government agencies. It also recommends rainwater harvesting and storage systems to reduce the volume of runoff entering drains during heavy rains.
Source: myoyonline.com
