The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has announced plans to closely monitor government commitments on infrastructure projects, particularly those aimed at addressing the country’s persistent flooding challenges.
According to the institution, the move is intended to ensure that engineering standards, design specifications, and implementation timelines for key drainage and flood control projects are properly followed, as flooding continues to affect several communities during rainy seasons.
GhIE expressed concern that despite repeated interventions and policy announcements over the years, flooding continues to cause destruction to property, disrupt transport systems, and, in some cases, result in loss of life.
It stressed the need for stronger technical oversight to improve outcomes.
“We are going to monitor government’s infrastructure promises, especially those relating to drainage and flood control projects, to ensure they are properly implemented,” GhIE said.
The engineering body further noted that infrastructure commitments must go beyond announcements, emphasising the importance of quality execution and maintenance of drainage systems, roads, and urban planning projects that contribute to flood prevention.
“It is not enough to make commitments; what matters is the quality of execution and adherence to engineering standards,” the institution added.
GhIE said it will engage relevant state agencies responsible for roads, works and housing, and local government infrastructure to track progress and ensure compliance with engineering best practices.
The institution also highlighted that poor drainage design, unregulated construction in waterways, and weak enforcement of planning regulations continue to worsen flooding in urban areas, particularly in Accra and other fast-growing cities.
“Uncontrolled development in waterways and weak enforcement of planning regulations continue to worsen the flooding situation in our cities,” it stressed.
GhIE added that persistent flooding across the country shows the need for improved planning, stronger oversight, and continuous maintenance of infrastructure systems.
“Persistent flooding across the country shows that we must strengthen oversight, planning, and maintenance of our infrastructure systems,” GhIE noted.
The institution is expected to play a more active watchdog role by providing technical assessments and independent reviews of ongoing and future infrastructure projects aimed at flood mitigation.
GhIE says its monitoring initiative is aimed at ensuring that future infrastructure
