The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has revealed that the government in collaboration with World Bank would be investing $200 million into a new project aimed at addressing the flood situation in Ghana.

In a press release to mark the 7th anniversary of the June 3rd flood and fire disaster, the Minister noted that the money would be put into the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project.

This project is to help mitigate flood risk and address sanitation and solid waste management challenges in the Odaw Drainage Basin where the unfortunate disaster occurred. 

“The Akufo-Addo government remains committed to honouring the memory of our departed friends by continuing and intensifying the efforts to find lasting solutions to the perennial flooding challenges in Accra and across the country,” he wrote.

Mr. Asenso Boakye added that “While effort to procure a contractor for dredging the Odaw under International Competitive bidding is underway, Dredgemasters will continue with their ongoing engagement to clear solid waste in the drainage channel to make room for storm water and reduce the risk of flooding.

Friday, June 3, 2022, is seven years since Ghana experienced a twin disaster that claimed over 150 lives.

The tragedy occurred after several hours of torrential rainfall in the capital city, Accra.

During the downpour, fuel leakage from the GOIL station at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle caught fire from a cigarette stub near the area resulting in an explosion alongside the flood.

Over 150 people died, and hundreds of people suffered severe burns in the unfortunate incident.

The floods were attributed to blockages in Accra’s main storm drains, resulting from the non-desilting of the drains, including buildings and structures by squatters that had blocked waterways.

Meanwhile, to ensure the terrible incident does not repeat itself, Mr. Asenso Boakye stated that the government is committed to investing more resources across the country in ensuring that, the current perennial flooding challenge is comprehensively addressed.

“Additionally, the government has, since taking office in January 2017 to date, committed an unprecedented amount of GHC450 million in the National Flood Control and Priority Drainage Programme,” he added.

Also, the Minister believes that despite the government’s efforts, the general public needs to do their part to help achieve the goal of ensuring that flood risk is minimised.

“It is therefore incumbent on every citizen to complement the effort of government and be more responsible in the manner we dispose of solid waste. Individuals need to desist from depositing household waste in the drains in order to maintain drainage capacity and reduce the likelihood of flooding.”