Developed structures obstructing watercourse have been marked for demolition in Oyarifa in the La Nkwantanang- Madina Municipality of the Greater Accra Region as efforts continue to curtail the devastating effects of perennial floods in the country and provide a lasting solution to the canker in a long term.
The operation which forms part of the Government’s post-flood mitigation measures led by the Ghana Armed Forces under the leadership of Brigadier General Foster Okae Yeboah led to the discovery of these structures.
According to a communique by the Jubilee House, the inspection team noted that natural flow of water has been altered making the area vulnerable to floods.
“A developer had blocked a natural water channel by constructing apartments over it. The development together with another nearby structure had altered the Natural flow of water uphill” The communique stated.
This, the communique said has exposed areas to floods causing places that were not previously flood-prone areas to be flooded
Following the torrential floods that swept the country off her feet and Government’s commitment to mitigation efforts, the said structures are set to be demolished so as to safeguard the lives and safety of Oyarifa residents.
It is however unclear who this developer is and what the intentions are behind obstructing the waterways.
The table of accountability stares keenly, as Ghanaians and social media users demand the immediate demolition of such structures to safeguard the country’s future on the basis of floods. But the real question remains whether this exercise will be business as usual or the mitigation and demolition processes will be carried out without fear or favour.
Author: Joyce Owusu
