The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) within the region to immediately activate flood risk mitigation measures to protect residents as the rainy season intensifies.
Speaking at a press conference on rainfall preparedness and flood prevention, the minister stressed the need for proactive measures to minimize the impact of perennial flooding, which continues to affect several communities across the region each year.
According to the Shia Osu-Doku MP, assemblies have been tasked to desilt drains, remove structures obstructing waterways, intensify public education and collaborate with security agencies and emergency response teams to ensure the safety of residents.
“It is worthy to note that a regional coordinating council has directed all heads of meetings, especially staff of NADMO and environmental health assistants, to take immediate and pragmatic steps to minimize the impact of flooding within their jurisdiction,” she said.
The Ministry, she said, has also commenced processes towards containing the anticipated floods.
“Key interventions, currently ongoing across the region, include the desilting of drains and gutters, removal of refuse and obstructions from drainage channels, inspection of waterways, demolition of unauthorized structures obstructing the free flow of water, and intensified public education campaign. It is well noted that floods are unavoidable and we must play our roles to mitigate the incident,” she said.
The Regional Minister added that her office has directed the removals of all unauthorized lorry stations and other form of infrastructure blocking the free flow of water.
“Additionally, all unauthorized lorry stations and transport terminals located along roads and within unauthorized places that obstruct the free flow of drainage and pedestrian traffic, are to be removed immediately in the interest of public safety and effective traffic management,” she said.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
