By Sarah Baafi
The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has outlined significant progress under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, as government intensifies efforts to reduce perennial flooding in the capital.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister disclosed that performance-based dredging works are currently ongoing along the Odaw Channel, particularly at Caprice and the Kwame Nkrumah Circle stretch, two of Accra’s most flood-prone areas.
According to Hon. Adjei, a total of 90,936 cubic metres of sediment has so far been dredged from the channel and safely disposed of, significantly improving water flow and reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
“Through performance-based dredging, we are ensuring that the Odaw Channel is kept free of excessive silt build-up, which has historically contributed to flooding in Accra,” the Minister said.
He further indicated that drainage and road improvement works under the GARID Project are progressing steadily across several communities. Works at Alogboshie are 58% complete, while projects at Akweteyman and Nima have reached 62 per cent and 65 per cent completion, respectively.
“These drainage and road works are critical to improving stormwater management while enhancing mobility and safety for residents in these communities,” Hon. Adjei noted.
In addition, the Minister announced that supplementary infrastructure works are underway in other flood-prone areas, including Achimota, Nima-Paloma and Kaneshie, as part of government’s broader strategy to strengthen urban resilience in the Greater Accra Region.
The GARID Project is a multi-sector urban resilience initiative designed to address flooding, improve drainage systems, upgrade transport infrastructure and enhance solid waste management in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. The project also incorporates community engagement and climate adaptation measures to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Hon. Adjei reaffirmed government’s commitment to accountability and value for money, stressing that the GARID Project remains a key pillar in addressing climate change impacts, improving urban infrastructure and safeguarding lives and property.
“Our focus is to deliver sustainable flood control solutions that will protect communities and ensure that public resources are used efficiently and transparently,” he assured.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com
