The Minister for Works and Housing,who doubles as the MP for Bantama Constituency, Francis Asenso-Boakye has said his sector is conscious about the increasing risk of Flooding across the country, indicating that it was all due to indequate drainage infrastructure, improper solid waste disposal, disregard for planning rules and regulations and rapid urbanization,among others by the Ghanaian citizen.
Speaking at the floor of Parliament on the Thursday 29th June, 2023 on measures being taken by his sector to address the recent Flooding issues in the country which took away some human lives, the sector minister took the opportunity to commend the minority Chief Whip Honourable Kwame Agbodza for raising the issue of perennial Flooding on the floor of Parliament and his commitment towards building a robust built environment for our socio-economic development.
” He indicated that the Ministry of Works and Housing is consious of the increasing risk of Flooding across the country, which he said is due to indequate drainage infrastructure, improper solid waste disposal, disregard for planning rules and regulations, and rapid urbanization, among others in the country.
According to the law maker the adverse effects of climate change has compounded these factors.
” We have in recent times, seen flooding in other centers, such as Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, Koforidua and Tamale that did not use to experience much flooding. ”
He expressed government’s commiserations to the bereved family for the loss of their loved ones during the heavy downpour from Wednesday 21st June to Friday 23rd June, 2023, in some parts of Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region including his own Constituency Bantama.
Globally, the dire effects of climate change have left unforgettable footprints in many countries such as lvory Coast,Sierra Leone and Nigeria, among others, and Ghana is not exception.
“For this reason, the ministry has over the years initiated and implemented major drainage projects across the country to mitigate flooding.
” As a demonstration of our commitment to tackling Ghana’s perennial Flooding challenge, the Government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo has been implementing a comprehensive flood control and management programme with the following components;
I. National Security – Chairperson
ii. Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development;
iii. Sanitation and Water Resources;
iv. Works and Housing; and
v. Lands and Natural Resources.
“ While the committee does its work, my Ministry will continue its engagement with the Ministry of National Security in seeking support for the Assemblies to enforce planning laws and building regulations.
” Another important component of Government’s holistic approach to addressing flooding in vulnerable communities is the investment in the Greater Accra Resilient and lntergrated Development (GARID) Project. Through GARID , the Government is partnering with the World Bank to invest USD 200 million towards reducing flood risks and addressing solid waste management challenges in the Odaw Drainage Basin.
The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Works and Housing; Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources; and the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization,and Rural Development.
” Mr. Speaker, let me highlight that despite the Ministry’s extensive efforts, the impact of Government’s investment in mitigating flood risks is seriously undermined by human activities.”
” It is important for citizens to support the Government’s endeavors by adhering to the rules and regulations governing settlement planning. Additionally, it is essential for citizens to refrain from engaging in development activities within wetlands, waterways and drainage buffers.
Furthermore, it is even more critical for citizens to exercise caution in managing household solid waste and refrain from using drainage channels as dumping grounds for refuse. By so doing, we can collectively work towards reducing the vulnerability to flooding and ensuring the effectiveness of the implemented measures.
