Minister for Works and Housing Francis Asenso-Boakye has disclosed that 370 desilting projects and 84 drainage channel construction projects have been completed with 118 at various stages of completion.
According to him, these projects form part of the government’s dedication to building resilient communities and decreasing the occurrence of flooding.
The government, he said, 2018 and 2020 embarked on a National Flood Control Programme with a commitment of GH¢450 million, making it the most substantial investment from any government funding source dedicated to addressing flooding.
384 desilting projects and 202 drainage channel construction projects were initiated under the Programme.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye disclosed these in a statement he delivered to Parliament on measures being taken to address the incidents of flooding across the country on Thursday, June 29.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin last week directed the Works and Housing and Finance Ministers to brief the House on the country’s preparedness for the impending rainy reason.
Minority Whip Kwame Agbodza made a request in a statement after he raised concerns at the number of people claimed by flood waters so far this year and supported by members.
He indicated ahead of the rainy season visited some flood-prone communities in Accra to ascertain the level of preparedness and gain first-hand insight into the challenges faced with it comes to mitigating the risks associated with flooding.
Human activities, he said, including dumping solid waste in drains, building on drainage channels, and filling of lagoons among others are severely impeding the government’s efforts to tackle the issue of flooding.
The Minister stated that Cabinet has noted the need to consider flooding in Ghana as a national security issue since effective law enforcement has a major role to play in addressing the challenge.
“Subsequently, Cabinet constituted a committee to develop a comprehensive plan with appropriate measures to strengthen the enforcement of laws relating to lands and siting of buildings.”
“The Committee comprises the following Ministers: National Security – Chairperson, Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development; Sanitation and Water Resources; Works and Housing; and 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.”
Mr. Asenso-Boakye lamented the scale of the flooding challenge faced by the state is enormous and stressed with the effect of climate change, it could only get worse.
He said the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) has indicated the East Coast of the country starting from Saltpond to Aflao is expected to have above-average rainfall this year.
He, therefore, emphasized the need for a dedicated source of funding towards tackling flooding in the country.
He appealed to Parliament to give serious consideration to committing a proportion of the Road Fund, given the impact of drains on the lifespan of roads; the Sanitation Levy, in view of the effect of the solid waste on drainage capacity; and the Common Fund, recognizing the need for a holistic and efficient drainage system.
According to him, by doing so, the state will clearly showcase its unwavering dedication to addressing this age-long challenge in a comprehensive manner.
He implored every citizen to unite and rally behind the government’s collective efforts in tackling the devastating issue of floods.
He urged the media to help make the GMA weather warning current and relevant and raise public awareness about the hazards involved in traversing on foot or by vehicle during flash floods.