The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project has commenced dredging works on the unencumbering sites of the Odaw River Basin ahead of the rainy season. This crucial intervention aims to clear the Basin of silt and solid waste to facilitate unimpeded water flow in the drains and mitigate the perennial flooding along the Basin.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the project site, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said the dredging activities signify a crucial step towards mitigating flooding and safeguarding the well-being of residents of Accra. He noted that Government’s focus is to efficiently execute the project within the stipulated timeframe to deliver lasting benefits to the citizens.

The Honorable Minister also appealed to Ghanaians to support the ongoing Government flood control programs by adopting responsible waste disposal practices and be judicious in their choices of building sites.

“The success of our flood control measures does not only rely on substantial government investments but also on the cooperation of citizens. We appeal to all Ghanaians to be mindful of their waste disposal habits and to avoid building in flood-prone areas,” the Minister remarked.

The  Minister for Works and Housing, Hon.  Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (in yellow helmet looking into the Camera) inspecting the progress of dredging works on the Odaw River basin

Mr. Edmond Osei Barimah, the Resident Engineer overseeing the dredging works, said the project, which commenced in February 2024, is scheduled to span four years. He explained that in the inaugural year, the contractor will be compensated based on the volume of silt removed from the drain. Subsequently, payment will be contingent upon the drain’s performance.

The Project Manager for Dredge Masters, Sena Adeapena, assured stakeholders of timely completion of the project. He affirmed that, “We are committed to fulfilling our contractual obligations and ensuring the project’s successful delivery and a tangible reduction in flood-related challenges along the Basin.”

The commencement of dredging works on the Odaw River basin underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the resilience of Greater Accra against the recurrent menace of flooding. As stakeholders collaborate to address environmental challenges, the collective endeavor promises a brighter, safer future for the capital city and its inhabitants.