Accra's Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has announced plans to intensify efforts to remove unauthorised structures in flood-prone areas across the capital. Heavy downpour on Wednesday left parts of Accra inundated, with residents and motorists affected. The Minister has specifically identified the bridge at Dome Pillar Two, where rising floodwaters overflowed the structure and entered nearby homes, as a critical flood hotspot requiring immediate attention.
The Minister led a team of officials to inspect the bridge, which he said can no longer accommodate the increasing volume of water flowing through the area during heavy rainfall. According to the Minister, engineers have recommended raising the bridge to increase its capacity and improve the flow of stormwater beneath it. "The bridge must have sufficient capacity underneath to accommodate the flow of water. If not, the volume of water flowing through the area will interfere with traffic using the road," he explained.
The Minister expressed concern over the increasing number of buildings being constructed on waterways and within flood-prone zones, describing the practice as a major cause of flooding in the capital. "Some people have built on waterways, obstructing the natural flow of water and worsening flooding whenever there is heavy rainfall," he noted.
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei disclosed that the government has commissioned a special task force to identify and clear illegal structures located on waterways and other unauthorised developments that contribute to flooding. "We are all part of government, and therefore we are calling on those affected to cooperate. A task force has been commissioned, and it will begin removing all unauthorised buildings situated on waterways and in flood-prone areas," he warned.
The Minister stressed that the government remains committed to investing in drainage infrastructure and flood control projects but emphasized that residents must also play their part by adhering to planning regulations and avoiding encroachment on watercourses. He reiterated the government's determination to tackle the root causes of flooding in Accra through a combination of infrastructure upgrades, enforcement of planning laws, and public cooperation.
As part of the broader efforts, the Ministry has assessed the impact of the recent rains and will implement immediate and long-term measures aimed at protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure from future flooding incidents. The government plans to take a multifaceted approach, including raising awareness among residents about the dangers of constructing buildings on waterways and flood-prone zones, and encouraging residents to report any unauthorised developments to the authorities.
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has been at the forefront of efforts to address the perennial flooding problem in Accra, working closely with residents and stakeholders to find solutions. According to officials, the task force has identified over 500 unauthorised structures in flood-prone areas across Accra. Demolition work is expected to begin soon, with residents who own affected properties being notified and provided with compensation.
The government has committed to investing over GHS 1 billion in drainage infrastructure and flood control projects across the capital. This includes upgrading the capacity of bridges and ensuring that waterways are free from obstructions. The Minister emphasized that addressing the root causes of flooding requires a collective effort from residents, the government, and other stakeholders. He urged residents to be vigilant and report any unauthorised developments to the authorities.
According to officials, the government is not only working on addressing the symptoms of flooding but also the underlying causes. They have been working on raising awareness among residents about the dangers of constructing buildings on waterways and flood-prone zones. Residents are being encouraged to report any unauthorised developments to the authorities.
Key Facts
• The government has commissioned a special task force to identify and clear illegal structures located on waterways and other unauthorised developments that contribute to flooding. • The task force has identified over 500 unauthorised structures in flood-prone areas across Accra. • The government has committed to investing over GHS 1 billion in drainage infrastructure and flood control projects across the capital. • The task force will begin removing all unauthorised buildings situated on waterways and in flood-prone areas. • Residents are being encouraged to report any unauthorised developments to the authorities. • Over 500 unauthorised structures have been identified in flood-prone areas across Accra, and demolition work is expected to begin soon.