The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has set its sights on Laboma and Agbogbloshie for a new round of demolitions aimed at curbing flooding in Accra. The exercise is scheduled to begin next week, with authorities targeting structures built on waterways.
Demolitions to Reclaim Waterways
The move follows recent clean-up campaigns, desilting of drains, and earlier demolitions carried out after the devastating June 29 floods that affected several parts of the capital. Speaking after touring a number of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, said the government remains determined to reclaim waterways and remove illegal structures contributing to persistent flooding.
She explained that the exercise forms part of a broader strategy to restore buffer zones, improve drainage infrastructure, and minimise the risk of future floods in the city. According to the Minister, authorities have identified several unauthorised structures that will have to be removed to allow for the restoration of waterways and improve the free flow of stormwater.
Unauthorised Structures Must Come Down
"We have noticed that a lot of the buildings must come down and so we will do a major demolition over there, hopefully next week," Ms Ocloo said. "We want to create the buffer like we said. We can see that the refuse was caused by the squatters over there. Once we clear the place, we wouldn’t have issues there," she added.
The Regional Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strictly enforcing planning regulations and removing structures that obstruct waterways as part of long-term measures to address flooding in the Greater Accra Region. This move is seen as a critical step towards mitigating the impact of flooding on residents and businesses in the affected areas.
A Broader Strategy to Address Flooding
The exercise is part of a broader strategy to address flooding in Accra, which has become a recurring issue in recent years. The government has identified several key areas where improvement is needed, including the restoration of buffer zones, improvement of drainage infrastructure, and minimisation of the risk of future floods.
By targeting unauthorised structures and reclaiming waterways, the government aims to reduce the risk of flooding and improve the overall quality of life for residents in the affected areas. While the exercise may cause short-term disruptions, it is hoped that the long-term benefits will outweigh the costs.
What's Next for Laboma and Agbogbloshie?
As the demolition exercise is set to begin next week, residents in Laboma and Agbogbloshie are bracing themselves for the changes that are to come. While some may be concerned about the impact on their livelihoods, others see the exercise as a necessary step towards addressing the persistent issue of flooding in the city.
As the government continues to implement measures to address flooding in Accra, it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be in the long run. One thing is certain, however – the people of Laboma and Agbogbloshie will be watching closely to see how the exercise unfolds and what the future holds for their communities.
Source: Joy Online
