Tema (GAR), July 3, Mr. John Edward Afful, Minister of Environment has called for an end to all physical development in or close to wetlands to save people from floods. He said developers must not only look for building permits but must also take a number of natural factors into consideration saying that there are some natural water courses which must be avoided at all costs. Mr. Afful made the call during a visit to SOS Children's Village and some parts of community five yesterday to find out what caused the flooding in these areas after the torrential rains in the middle of last month. He was accompanied by officials of the department of Town and Country Planning. Mr. Afful explained that wetlands have the potential to store water due to high watertable and any additional water during heavy rains can easily result in flooding, particularly if no proper drainage system is provided. At a meeting with officials of the SOS and the Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA), an appeal was made to the government to consider dredging the Sakumo Lagoon in addition to any desilting of drains in the area. The SOS authorities expressed concern about the activities of rice farmers near the village whose irrigation of farms have blocked the flow of water. The Town and Country Planning advised the SOS Village to stop any further expansion into the wetlands and also draw up a new drainage system which will help check flooding in the village.
Tema (GAR), July 3, Mr. John Edward Afful, Minister of Environment has called for an end to all physical development in or close to wetlands to save people from floods. He said developers must not only look for building permits but must also take a number of natural factors into consideration saying that there are some natural water courses which must be avoided at all costs. Mr. Afful made the call during a visit to SOS Children's Village and some parts of community five yesterday to find out what caused the flooding in these areas after the torrential rains in the middle of last month. He was accompanied by officials of the department of Town and Country Planning. Mr. Afful explained that wetlands have the potential to store water due to high watertable and any additional water during heavy rains can easily result in flooding, particularly if no proper drainage system is provided. At a meeting with officials of the SOS and the Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA), an appeal was made to the government to consider dredging the Sakumo Lagoon in addition to any desilting of drains in the area. The SOS authorities expressed concern about the activities of rice farmers near the village whose irrigation of farms have blocked the flow of water. The Town and Country Planning advised the SOS Village to stop any further expansion into the wetlands and also draw up a new drainage system which will help check flooding in the village.
