Nine Accra Metropolis drainage basins will undergo renovation as part of the Construction of the Accra Sanitary Sewerage and Storm Drainage Alleviation project
The Ghanaian government has sourced a credit facility of more than US$650mn from the Export Import Bank of the United States of America (EXIM Bank) and Standard Chartered Bank for the project.
The drainage basins registered for renovation are Odaw, Lafa, Chemu, Kpeshie, Osu Klottey, Morkwei, La, Songor and Korle Lagoon.
A government statement said the project, which is a collaborative effort between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and Conti Infrastructure Company, an international construction firm, will aim at improving Accra’s drainage system to enhance quality of life.
The mayor of Accra, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, said that the sanitation sewer and storm water drainage alleviation project would control the perennial flooding, as well as the sanitation challenges confronting the Accra Metropolis.
Between 2010 and 2011, 21 lives were lost and numerous properties damaged due to flooding in some parts of Accra. The problem is growing, with flooding now an annual occurrence in the peak of the rainy season.
The Ghana parliament recently approved the loan for the project, which includes the desilting and covering of the Odaw Basin, new siltation ponds, and restoration of the Korle lagoon.
The project, according to the city authorities, will also focus on restoring the operation of the existing James Town Wastewater Treatment Plant, supplement Accra's existing solid waste collection activities and equipment, as well as increase the availability of public restrooms.
Vanderpuije stressed that in the last two decades, the population of Accra has increased considerably and the existing infrastructure was unable to support it.
He added, “The inadequate handling of growing amount of refuse, wastewater and other pollutants has resulted in obstructions to drainage, making Accra increasingly susceptible to flash flooding and disaster.”
