Eastern Regional Minister Halts Koforidua China Mall Construction Project in Flood-prone Area
- The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Awatey, has stopped a China Mall construction project in Koforidua
- The minister's intervention followed complaints about potential flooding from concerned residents
- Awatey told the press there would be a further environmental impact assessment of the construction project
Eastern Regional Minister Rita Awatey has halted a China Mall construction project in Koforidua.
Her intervention on April 10 followed concerns about the project being sited in a flood-prone area.
Source: Facebook
The minister told the press there would be a further environmental impact assessment of the project.
The action followed complaints from residents in the area who were concerned the project would worsen flooding.
GHOne reported that Awatey noted that there was a river that passed behind this project site.
She also noted that further consultation was required from the owners of the project, as well as the completion of some processes at the local government level.
Transport company defies Mahama’s order
A transport company, Caitec, is yet to comply with Mahama’s directive to reverse the illegal reclamation of portions of the Weija Ramsar site.
During a tour of flood-prone areas in Greater Accra, Mahama ordered the company to undo the reclamation at their own cost.
This was to allow for easy dredging as Accra prepares for the rains.
However, a subsequent inspection conducted by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) revealed that the president’s orders had been ignored.
Government puts in place anti-flooding taskforce
In March, Mahama established a seven-member Anti-Flood Taskforce to combat Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges.
The task force is chaired by Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations at the Presidency.
Other members include Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing; Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; Teddy Addi, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO); and Madam Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Legal Counsel, among others.
As part of its field operations, the Anti-Flood Taskforce conducted an aerial reconnaissance mission in March to assess flood-prone areas and gather critical data to prevent future disasters.
The inspection covered key locations including Weija, the Sakumono Ramsar site, and the Tema Fishing Harbour area.
Source: UGC
Following the aerial survey, Dogbe announced that the government would enforce stricter flood prevention measures.
He disclosed that the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, in collaboration with local government authorities, will immediately commence desilting of major drains to improve water flow and mitigate flood risks.
Additionally, a road reconnaissance survey will be undertaken to assess the impact of poor drainage systems on flooding.
Mahama visits victims of tidal wave flooding in Volta
YEN.com.gh reported in March that Mahama visited communities affected by tidal wave flooding in the Volta Region.
The president led a team to Amutinu, Salakope, and Agavedzi where relief items were given to the communities.
Mahama said seeing the devastation first-hand reinforced his commitment to finding a long-term solution. His brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, also donated GH₵100k to the victims.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
