Zoomlion Ghana Limited and FeDEMS have partnered with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to undertake a cleanup exercise in Accra as part of renewed efforts to reduce flooding and promote proper waste management in the capital.
The exercise brought together stakeholders to desilt drains and clear refuse-choked waterways, which officials say continue to worsen flooding situations during heavy rains.
Speaking during the exercise, the Greater Accra Regional Director of NADMO, Dennis Nartey Adjannor, attributed the persistent flooding in Accra largely to the indiscriminate dumping of waste into drains.
He emphasised that the government is investing heavily in drainage infrastructure under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at enhancing drainage systems across the city.
The World Bank has been supporting the project to expand and improve major drains in Accra, including key waterways aimed at reducing flood risks.
Mr Adjannor urged residents to complement government efforts by avoiding the disposal of refuse into gutters, warning that such practices undermine investments in drainage expansion.
He noted that sections of major drains have already been expanded under the project, but said their impact is being reversed by poor sanitation habits.
“Let us all help to keep our gutters clean and maintain a healthy environment. Government is spending a lot of money to expand drains under the GARID project, but if we continue to dump waste into them and silt them up again, then the whole effort becomes ineffective,” he said.
He called for sustained public cooperation to maintain clean communities and prevent recurring floods across Accra.
