Dredge Masters Limited, a subsidiary of Jospong Group, received high praise from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing for its dredging works in Accra’s Odaw River and Korle Lagoon. The Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Vincent Asamoah Oppong, conducted a field inspection tour to monitor flood control measures ahead of the expected heavy downpours in the national capital.
Committee’s Praise and Concerns
The Committee expressed satisfaction with the progress of the dredging works, with Hon. Asamoah Oppong saying that “So far, you (Dredge Masters) are doing a very good job and we are impressed with what you are doing. “The Committee however also raised concerns about encroachment along the waterways and the need for immediate action to address sanitation and flood prevention.
Call to Action
The Committee Chairperson charged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and the Mayor of Accra to take immediate steps to ensure that encroachers are relocated and sanitation is taken seriously. “We cannot afford to be reactive. We must be proactive if we want to save lives and reduce economic losses associated with flooding,” he emphasized.
The MP for Techiman South, Mr. Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, a member of the Committee, similarly expressed concern over the increasing rate of encroachment along the waterways. “It is worrying to see people putting up buildings in flood-prone zones, despite repeated warnings. This is dangerous. We must begin to prioritise human life over illegal construction. Whenever floods destroy lives and properties, the state is forced to spend huge sums on relief and reconstruction and funds that could have gone into schools, hospitals, and other essential services are used for this,” he indicated. He, therefore, called for urgent and strict enforcement of planning and sanitation regulations by city authorities.
Operational Challenges
The Committee noted that the silt removed from the canals during dredging was being temporarily deposited along the banks, awaiting evacuation. However, with encroachers occupying the space, there was a real danger that the silt could be washed back into the drains during heavy rains, rendering the entire operation futile.
Dredge Masters’ Efforts
The Deputy Managing Director of Dredge Masters Limited, Ing. Samuel Borquaye, explained that the company was undertaking maintenance dredging works in the Odaw River to desilt the channels and prevent flooding during the rainy season. He highlighted the challenges affecting their work, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of refuse by residents along the waterways.
Planning and Sanitation Regulations
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing has reiterated the need for urgent and strict enforcement of planning and sanitation regulations by city authorities to prevent flooding and protect lives and property. Dredge Masters Limited remains committed to its efforts in flood control and prevention in Accra.
