Will the proposed rehabilitation and Construction solve Odaw River drain menace?

Odaw river drain which is ” The Central Tree Water of Accra”  runs through the Accra metropolis. It flows through numerous communities and then into the Korle Lagoon and finally enters the Atlantic Ocean. However, the Odaw river drain menace has for a long time been a problem to residents of Accra. This has made local media houses to classify it as a life-threatening condition.

The major problem affecting the river is poor sanitation; as resident openly dump rubbish/garbage in the area as well as practicing open defecation. On the other hand, inadequate drains and poorly designed channels has also given rise to serious flooding.

HOW CAN THE ISSUE BE ADDRESSED??

In 2008, Ghanaians were unhappy when WHO and UNICEF released the result of a study into sanitation in Africa. According to the report, Ghana were ranked second dirtiest nation in West Africa largely due to drains.

Over the years, the Government has tried it best to solve this particular problem. This led to the Ministry of Works and Housing releasing a final report on Odaw Basin. The Report which was released in February 2019 is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for the dredging in the Odaw Basin.

According to the EIA report, Dredging of the Korle lagoon is vital. As it will reduce flooding and provide improved flow in the existing channel system.

Meanwhile, the Hydrological Services Department has announced that work on the drain will kick-off soon. According to Head of the Department, Herbert Owusu -Ansah, as part of the project, the collapsed drain will be removed from the river. This will allow the free flow of water.

Herbert Owusu -Ansah also said “Work should be completed before the next major rainy season. Temporary measure will be put in place to prevent loss of property.”

The damaged Odaw river drain will have US$200 million reconstruction fund. This fund is from the World Bank under Ghana Accra Resilient Integrated Development (GARID) Project.

Additionally, the impending construction and rehabilitation is key for residents. As the next heavy rains and subsequent overflow of the drain could submerge houses in the area, damage property and even lead to loss of lives.

Residents complained that the drain was constructed two decades ago and due to lack of maintenance it has become weakened and can no longer accommodate the pressure of the river during raining season.

What do you propose will be a lasting solution to this problem? 

Drop your feedback on the comment section below.

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