MPs demand action on Odaw River encroachers

Dredge Masters Limited (DML), part of Jospong Group, received praise from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing. This recognition came for their dredging work in the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon in Accra.

During a field inspection last Tuesday, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, the Committee Chairperson, expressed satisfaction with DML's progress. He noted that they were pleased with the ongoing dredging efforts.

The inspection aimed to monitor flood control measures ahead of expected heavy rains this year. Mr. Asamoah commended DML, saying they were doing a very good job.

He urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to act against flooding in Accra. The Mayor of Accra was specifically called upon to take immediate action.

With the rainy season approaching, Mr. Asamoah emphasized the need for proactive measures. He stated that sanitation must be prioritized and encroachers relocated to prevent flooding.

He highlighted law enforcement's role in addressing flooding causes. Local governments are key players in managing sanitation and encroachment issues.

Ghana has strong environmental laws but struggles with enforcement. Many encroachments along the Odaw River persist despite previous compensation offers for relocation.

Mr. Asamoah pointed out an operational challenge affecting dredging efforts. Sand and silt removed from canals are currently deposited on banks.

If these areas remain unmanaged, materials could wash back into drains during rains. This would undermine the purpose of dredging by failing to clear waterways effectively.

Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, MP for Techiman South, shared concerns about encroachment along waterways. He noted it is dangerous when people build in flood-prone zones despite warnings.

Floods lead to loss of life and property, forcing the state to spend on relief efforts instead of essential services like schools and hospitals. He called for strict enforcement of planning regulations by city authorities.

During their tour, committee members observed silt being temporarily deposited along banks after dredging. There is a risk that heavy rains could wash this silt back into drains.

Mr. Asamoah stressed that all efforts should not go to waste due to poor management of silt deposits. MMDCEs must ensure proper measures are taken quickly.

Earlier, Samuel Borquaye, Deputy Managing Director of DML, explained their maintenance dredging works in both water bodies. They started at Caprice and have reached Circle before moving towards Korle Lagoon.

The goal is to desilt channels and prevent flooding during the rainy season amid forecasts of heavy downpours this year.

Borquaye mentioned challenges like indiscriminate dumping by residents along waterways complicating their work. Changing attitudes toward waste disposal is crucial for effective dredging.

He believes proper planning can transform these areas into beautiful tourist sites but requires infrastructure improvements and public behavior changes first. Completing the dredging will help reduce flood risks significantly while protecting lives and property.