Dredge Masters Speeds Up Dredging Of Odaw …To Avert Flooding And Works & Housing Committee Of Parliament Is Happy

Mr. Vincent Asamoah Oppong Addresses the Media

Vincent Asamoah Oppong, chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing, is pleased with dredging works in Accra. The projects are being carried out by Dredge Masters Limited, part of the Jopsong Group.

He spoke during a field inspection with committee members yesterday. This visit aimed to monitor flood control measures before expected heavy rains. “Dredge Masters are doing a very good job,” he said.

As the rainy season approaches, he urged local leaders to act quickly. He emphasized that sanitation must be prioritized and encroachers relocated. “We cannot afford to be reactive; we must be proactive,” he warned.

Oppong highlighted the role of law enforcement and local governments in tackling flooding causes. He stated that district assemblies play a crucial role in sanitation and encroachment issues. “Ghana has strong environmental laws, but enforcement is lacking,” he noted.

He pointed out challenges along the Odaw River due to encroachments. Some individuals who were compensated to leave still occupy the area. He raised concerns about sand and silt removed from canals being deposited improperly.

“If these areas remain occupied, materials could wash back into drains,” he cautioned. This would undermine dredging efforts aimed at preventing flooding.

During their tour, the Committee observed silt temporarily stored along banks for evacuation. However, encroachers pose a risk of washing this material back into drains during heavy rains. The Committee stressed that immediate action is needed to protect investments in dredging.

“We cannot let this effort go to waste,” Oppong emphasized again. The Mayor of Accra must ensure proper measures are taken swiftly.

Committee member Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah expressed concern over increasing encroachments along waterways. “It’s worrying to see buildings in flood-prone zones despite warnings,” he said.

He called for prioritizing human life over illegal construction practices. Floods lead to significant state spending on relief efforts instead of essential services like schools and hospitals.

Korsah urged strict enforcement of planning regulations by city authorities.

Ing. Samuel Borquaye, Deputy Managing Director of Dredge Masters Limited, discussed ongoing maintenance dredging works in the Odaw River. They started at Caprice and have reached Circle, moving towards Korle Lagoon next.

The goal is to desilt channels and prevent flooding during heavy rains this year. Borquaye mentioned challenges from residents dumping refuse along waterways, complicating dredging efforts.

“We need to change our attitudes toward waste disposal,” he lamented. He also shared a vision for transforming the area into a tourist-friendly zone.

“With proper planning and investment, this place could attract tourism,” he said. Completing dredging will help reduce flood risks and protect lives and property.