The Coordinator of the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, Dr. Ohene Sarfoh, has stressed the urgent need for sustained dredging and regular maintenance of the Odaw River, warning that failure to do so will continue to expose Accra to devastating floods during periods of heavy rainfall.
According to him, the Odaw channel remains the most critical drainage system in the capital, making its effective management essential to reducing the city’s perennial flooding challenges.
Dr. Sarfoh made the remarks on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, June 30, following the widespread flooding that swept through several parts of Accra after Monday’s torrential rains.
Explaining the significance of the Odaw River, Dr. Sarfoh said its strategic location means that any disruption to its ability to convey stormwater has far-reaching consequences for the capital’s commercial and residential areas.
“The Odaw runs central to the spine of the city so whenever there is significant levels of flooding, it will affect many commercial areas. It is a very important drainage which needs critical attention. The GARID project was brought and sought to look at the engineering issues related to the Odaw channel and other contributory factors to the flooding.
“The idea was to institute a dredging programme and also deal with the backlog of dredging that has not been undertaken prior to the commencement of the GARID project and institute a maintenance programme afterwards.”
He also noted that beyond the construction of drainage infrastructure, the GARID project recognised the importance of continuous maintenance to ensure that drains and waterways remain free of silt, debris, and other obstructions that reduce their capacity during heavy rains.
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