Underground storm drains are currently being constructed to avert flooding in Accra, especially along the Kaneshie, Awudome enclave which records the highest flooding annually.
It forms part of the second phase of the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Project to ensure that the city is resilient to the recurring flooding situation as the rainy season approaches.
A lot of investment is being sunk into the reconstruction of drains to mitigate the impact of rains in Accra.
Many of Ghana’s flooding incidents have been as a result of inadequate gutters, storm drains among other infrastructure that ensure the free flow of water when it rains heavily. As part of the first phase an underground box culvert was constructed.
Now, the second phase, entails continuation of the storm drain from the Graphic Road all the way to Mpamprom to address perennial flooding in the area.
The second phase of the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange project will also expand and modernize the drainage system along Kaneshie, Awudome and its environs, a hotspot for flooding.
The Resident Engineer of FAS Consult Limited, Mr. Owusu Sekyere Antwi, noted that the construction of the drain would help hold more water.
As the rains sets in, many believe that city authorities must pay attention to the poor drainage system, inefficient waste management, weak enforcement of sanitation laws, and stop building settlements and habitation of squatters on the storm drains, as part of efforts to make Accra clean and also to reduce flooding in Accra by building a resilient city.
