Residents of Gbegbeyise-Shiabu in Dansoman are hopeful of an end to years of destruction caused by tidal waves, as work on the five-kilometre sea defence project progresses steadily.
The Ablekuma West Municipal Chief Executive, George Kpakpo Allotey, has disclosed that about 95% of the groyne structures for the project have been completed, with the entire intervention expected to be finished within the next two and a half years.
The project is aimed at protecting vulnerable coastal communities from tidal waves and flooding while reclaiming portions of land lost to coastal erosion.
Speaking to Channel One News during a visit to the project site on Tuesday, July 21, George Allotey said the progress so far has been encouraging.
“The contractors have done well. So far, they have almost done about 95 per cent of the groyne structures. What is left at the back is because they need space for the trucks to come in,” he stated.
He explained that the sea defence works are already reducing the impact of tidal waves on the community.
“Initially, the sea was hitting the road, destroying the road and was about to enter the community. These contractors have done a very good job. They have stopped the sea from hitting even the road, let alone going into the community,” George Kpakpo Allotey added.
Speaking to Channel One News, some residents welcomed the progress but appealed to contractors to expedite work to allow them to fully enjoy the benefits of the project.
The MCE also urged residents to help protect the investment by ending illegal sand winning, keeping the shoreline clean and avoiding the construction of unauthorised structures along the coast.
“They should stop the attitude of winning sand, stop putting refuse around the area, so that the reason why the tidal waves destroyed their buildings will come to an end,” he said.
The completed project is expected to include auxiliary facilities such as a fish market, food court and car park, aimed at improving economic activity and transforming the Dansoman beachfront.
