Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye has informed Parliament that government is taking urgent measures to construct the second phase of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project.
He said the project is intended to mitigate the risk of coastal erosion and flooding of the communities along the Blekusu coastal stretch due to intense tidal wave action.
“Beaches along the Blekusu coastal stretch are narrow and are eroding at an alarming rate because of tidal wave action. Some communities along this coastal stretch often experience flooding in the event of wave overtopping. These have impacted negatively on lives, livelihoods and properties”
Mr Asenso-Boakye made the observation when he appeared before the House to respond to a question by Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South about the status of the Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project in the Ketu South Municipality.
Mr Asenso-Boakye also explained as part of effort to mitigate beach erosion and flooding of the communities along the Blekusu coastal stretch, the Ministry for Works and Housing from July 2015 to July 2019 engaged Messrs. Amandi Holding Limited to complete the first phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection project.
He said work entailed the construction of 23 Amour Rock Groins to protect a coastal stretch of 4,300 metres (4.3 kilometres).
He said the work done under the first phase has functioned effectively to protect the people, while enhancing the fishing activities which is the main source of livelihood for the affected communities.
Mr Asenso-Boakye also reiterated the Ministry’s plan to commission a technical feasibility study focusing on Blekusu community to enable the Messrs Amandi Holding Limited to continue with Phase II of the project.
He said a comprehensive feasibility study on the project has become imperative as a result of the Public Financial Management (Public Investment Management) Regulation, L.I2411 which has been introduced.
He said the Minister for Finance in the 2022 Budget Statement allocated GH10 million towards a comprehensive feasibility study of Blekusu and surrounding areas.
GNA
