Flood Mitigation Task Force Expands Dredging, Demolition Works Across Greater Accra

The Flood Mitigation Task Force is carrying out a coordinated programme of dredging, demolition and retention basin restoration across the Greater Accra Region to reduce flood risks in vulnerable communities.

At Boundary Road, works have progressed from demolition to dredging of the Tesa Dam, with desilting currently underway to restore the dam’s holding capacity. 

At Oyarifa New York, demolition works have been completed, and dredging of the retention basin was successfully concluded a day earlier.

Engineer Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Richard Kinney made this known at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, where he provided updates on the Task Force’s operations at multiple sites.

Brigadier General Kinney said equipment deployed at Oyarifa will now be moved to Abokobi and Teiman, where the Task Force will dredge two additional retention ponds to improve stormwater storage. 

After completing works in Teiman, the team will proceed to Danfa to dredge one of the area’s major retention ponds.

The Task Force is currently working at Mallam Bola, where extensive excavation has begun at the Lafa Basin to remove illegally dumped solid waste from the water retention area. 

“All waste material excavated from the basin will be transported to Nsawam for proper disposal,” he added.

He said the operation is being carried out in collaboration with the Jospong Group of Companies (Zoomlion), which is providing specialised equipment to support the excavation and haulage works.

From Mallam, the Task Force will move to Laboma, at the Kpeshie Lagoon, where sections of the lagoon have also been reclaimed illegally through waste dumping and encroachment. 

The restoration exercise there will include excavation of the dumped material, demolition of unlawful structures, and the re-establishment of mangrove vegetation in partnership with the Forestry Commission. 

He announced that work at Kpeshie Lagoon will begin on Friday, immediately after the expiration of the evacuation deadline issued by the Greater Accra Regional Minister.

Brigadier General Kinney said the next phase of the programme will move to Songor Lagoon, located between Teshie and Nungua, where another major retention basin will undergo dredging beginning next month.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD