Flooding has become one of the perennial disasters in Accra and other low lying areas of Ghana. The Odaw River basin has been identified as one with the highest flood risks as it passes through most urban communities in Accra.
It has been revealed that at least $675 million is needed for an enhanced flood protection regime along the Odaw Basin, to build resilience against perennial flooding in Accra, according to a story published by graphiconline.com.
The amount covers a mix of interventions such as land acquisition, resettlement, construction costs, contingency and other waste management services targeted at a drainage ecosystem that can withstand flood events that occur once in every 25 years (T25).
Currently, a $200 million project in the shape of the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) is ongoing to improve drainage and curb the perennial flooding in the city to last about 10 years.
Under the project, work is ongoing to re-engineer drains, remove obstructing materials and implement a performance-based dredging programme targeted at improving drainage in the Odaw Basin.
The project is intended to build a one in 10 years flood protection regime, which means that the drainage system will be capable of containing flood events that occur once in every 10 years.
Anytime the rainy season approaches, Accra braces itself for the annual challenge of flooding, a perennial menace that disrupts lives and causes significant damage to property and infrastructure.
The necessity of at least $675 million for an enhanced flood protection regime along the Odaw Basin underscores the urgency of the situation.
The Chronicle believes that the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, with its $200 million investment, is a step in the right direction.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that this initiative alone is not sufficient to address the magnitude of the flooding problem. While the GARID project aims to improve drainage and reduce flooding events to once every 10 years, the reality demands a more robust infrastructure capable of withstanding even severer flood events.
The government must expedite action on the GARID project and allocate necessary funds for the comprehensive flood protection regime. Delays in implementation only exacerbate the vulnerability of residents to the devastating effects of flooding.
Furthermore, investing in flood resilience is not merely a matter of infrastructure, it is an investment in the safety, well-being and economic stability of our city. The cost of inaction far outweighs the initial investment required to fortify our drainage systems and mitigate the impact of flooding.
It is time for decisive action from all stakeholders involved to ensure that vision becomes a reality. Let’s prioritise the safety and resilience of our city by committing to comprehensive flood protection measures without further delay.
