As part of efforts to reduce flooding and improve environmental sanitation during the rainy season, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has commenced a three-day clean-up and desilting exercise in selected flood-prone communities across the Greater Accra Region.
The exercise is being undertaken with support from FeDEMS Group Ltd, Dredge Masters Ghana Limited, personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), and various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The exercise which began on Wednesday June 10 to 12 at 7:00 a.m., target major drainage channels and waterways in Roman Ridge, Mallam, Paloma, Circle, Kaneshie and GBC areas, where teams undertook extensive cleaning and desilting works to improve the free flow of rainwater and reduce the risk of flooding.
The initiative comes in the wake of recent heavy downpours that have triggered flooding in some parts of the capital, raising concerns about the impact of poor waste disposal practices and clogged drainage systems on public safety.
Speaking on the sidelines of the exercise, the Greater Accra Regional Director of NADMO, Dennis Nartey, said the collaboration demonstrates a collective commitment to addressing one of the major causes of flooding in the metropolis.
According to him, every heavy rainfall leaves behind significant amounts of waste and debris, much of which eventually finds its way into drains and waterways. He noted that the situation is further aggravated by residents who deliberately dump refuse into drains, making it difficult for water to flow freely during storms.
Mr. Nartey stressed that many of the challenges associated with flooding were man-made and therefore required a change in attitude from the public. He urged residents to dispose of waste responsibly and make use of designated waste collection systems instead of relying on rainwater to carry away refuse.
He used the occasion to promote the ongoing “No Do No Do” campaign, which seeks to discourage indiscriminate littering and encourage environmental responsibility among citizens.
He emphasised that protecting lives and property from floods required the active participation of every member of society.
The Head of Government and Corporate Affairs at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Emma Adwoa Appiah Osei-Duah, said the company was pleased to partner NADMO, FeDEMS, and the other agencies in undertaking the exercise, particularly at a time when the country is experiencing frequent heavy rains.
She explained that waste carried by floodwaters often accumulates in drains and waterways, creating blockages that increase the likelihood of flooding.
She added that the clean-up exercise formed part of broader efforts to tackle such challenges through sustained sanitation interventions and stakeholder collaboration.
Madam . Appiah Osei-Duah noted that the three-day programme was designed to support flood prevention efforts by clearing waste and silt from critical drainage channels in affected communities. She added that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to protecting communities and improving environmental conditions across the capital.
Also speaking at the exercise, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Sophia Kudjordji, said the initiative was specifically aimed at reducing flood incidents during the rainy season by ensuring that drains and gutters remain free from obstructions.
“We are gathered here today to undertake this clean-up exercise as part of efforts to curb flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Most floods occur because gutters and drains are clogged with waste. Therefore, we are dredging and cleaning these gutters to ensure the free flow of water,” she stated.
Madam. Kudjordji noted that while rainfall itself cannot be prevented, the destruction often associated with floods can be minimized through proper sanitation practices and regular maintenance of drainage infrastructure. She explained that by clearing drains and removing accumulated waste, communities would be better protected whenever heavy rains occur.
She therefore called on residents to support the efforts of sanitation authorities by refraining from dumping refuse into drains and waterways, stressing that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility. She expressed confidence that sustained public education and community participation would go a long way toward reducing flooding and safeguarding lives and property across the metropolis.
