The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has announced that the government will intensify efforts to remove unauthorised structures located in flood-prone areas across Accra as part of measures to address the city’s recurring flooding challenges.
The announcement followed an inspection tour of several communities affected by Wednesday’s heavy rains, which caused widespread flooding and disrupted transportation in parts of the capital.
During the tour, the Minister and his team visited key flood-prone locations, including the bridge at Dome Pillar Two, where floodwaters overflowed the structure and inundated nearby homes.
Addressing the media, Mr. Adjei said assessments revealed that the bridge is no longer capable of handling the increasing volume of water during periods of intense rainfall. He explained that government plans to raise the bridge to improve water flow beneath it while ensuring traffic movement is not affected.
According to him, engineers have recommended upgrading the bridge’s capacity to better manage stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
The Minister noted that flooding in the area is not solely the result of inadequate infrastructure but is also linked to upstream developments and activities that obstruct the natural flow of water from areas such as Abokobi.
He expressed concern about the growing number of structures being erected on waterways and within flood-prone zones, describing such developments as a major contributor to flooding in the city.
To address the problem, Mr. Adjei disclosed that the government has established a special task force to identify and demolish illegal buildings and other unauthorised developments that obstruct waterways and worsen flood risks.
He called on affected residents to cooperate with authorities, stressing that the exercise is necessary to protect lives, property and public infrastructure.
The Minister further emphasized that while government will continue investing in drainage improvements and flood-control projects, residents must also comply with planning regulations and avoid encroaching on waterways.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of flooding in Accra through a combination of infrastructure upgrades, strict enforcement of planning laws and greater public cooperation.
The inspection forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry to assess the impact of recent flooding and implement both immediate and long-term solutions aimed at reducing future flood disasters across the capital.
Source: 3news.com