Housing Ministry breaks ground for Nima-Paloma storm drain reconstruction

In a significant move towards flood mitigation, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, alongside the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, has initiated the reconstruction of the Nima-Paloma storm drains in the Greater Accra Region.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks a major step in addressing the perennial flooding issues faced by residents, commuters, traders, and businesses in Asylum Down and surrounding communities.

Mr. Nkrumah acknowledged the dedication and patience of the chiefs and residents of Asylum Down, America, and the traders in the Odawnaa Market. Their active participation in the consultations for the engineering designs and the resettlement action plan has been crucial to the project's progress.

"The current project has made significant strides in implementing key flood control programs in Accra, despite some delays," Mr. Nkrumah stated. He explained that the original project design did not include compensation for project-affected persons, which necessitated a variation to ensure compensation was paid before contractors commenced work. Additionally, design review processes were not simultaneous, causing further delays.

Mr. Nkrumah criticized the politicization of project delays, emphasizing that both the New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress, along with the World Bank and the Government of Ghana, are committed to the project's success. He expressed optimism that the collaboration witnessed would continue, highlighting ongoing community upgrading interventions, including the construction of primary and secondary drains, vehicular access routes, solid waste management facilities, and water supply networks in flood-prone communities.

The Minister also noted the commencement of performance-based dredging contracts for the Odaw River and the reconstruction of the broken sections of the Odaw channel at Agbogbloshie. Upcoming contracts will address drainage improvement works in Kaneshie, facilitated by Parliament's approval of an additional $150 million.

Mr. Nkrumah outlined the 2024 National Flood Control Programme's ongoing activities, including dredging, concrete lining of storm drains, and removing critical bottlenecks in major drains. These efforts are aimed at reducing the vulnerability of residents to flooding.

Acknowledging that structural interventions alone cannot eradicate flooding, Mr. Nkrumah highlighted the establishment of a flood early warning system for the Greater Accra region. This system will provide advanced notifications to residents in flood-prone areas, enabling them to protect their lives and properties.

Despite the significant investments, Mr. Nkrumah stressed that inappropriate behaviors such as building in waterways and indiscriminate dumping of waste undermine these efforts. He called for behavioral change and urged local assemblies to be proactive in preventing such activities.

The Ministry of Works and Housing has included a public education campaign in the 2024 flood control program to promote behavior change. Mr. Nkrumah called on the media, faith-based organizations, and educational authorities to support this initiative.

In conclusion, Mr. Nkrumah reiterated the Ministry's commitment to creating resilient communities capable of withstanding climate change and urbanization challenges. He urged all stakeholders to join hands in this effort to improve living conditions in the Greater Accra region.