Zoomlion Ghana Limited, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other stakeholders, has deployed monitoring officers across all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region to help maintain drains and prevent flooding as the rainy season intensifies.
The deployment follows a three-day clean-up, desilting and dredging exercise carried out from June 10 to 12 to improve water flow in some of the capital’s major drainage channels.
The operation was undertaken jointly by Zoomlion, NADMO, FeDems Limited, Dredge Masters Limited, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service and various MMDAs.
The exercise focused on key flood-prone areas, including Mallam, GBC, Weija, Circle, Kaneshie and Ablekuma West, which have experienced flooding following recent heavy rains.
Speaking to journalists, Zoomlion’s Greater Accra Regional Manager, Ricky Anokye Frimpong, said the deployment of officers is aimed at ensuring that the gains made during the clean-up exercise are sustained.
According to him, the officers will work closely with Environmental Health Departments and NADMO officials within their respective assemblies to monitor drains, identify flood hotspots and coordinate routine desilting activities.
Frimpong noted that the initiative forms part of the “No Do No Do” Flood Awareness Campaign being undertaken by Zoomlion and NADMO to encourage proper sanitation practices and reduce flooding caused by human activities.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ablekuma West, George Kpakpo Allotey, stressed the need for residents to support efforts to keep drains clear.
He revealed that authorities had identified structures obstructing some drainage channels and directed owners to remove them immediately or face enforcement action.
Allotey blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse and the encroachment of waterways for the recurring flooding challenges in Accra. He called on residents to stop using drains as dumping sites and to report offenders to the authorities.
He further disclosed that the Assembly has begun a comprehensive drain-clearing programme, describing it as long overdue after years of neglect.
He expressed optimism that sustained maintenance, public education and community participation would help reduce the risk of flooding across the municipality.
Frimpong also warned that heavier rains are expected in the coming months and urged residents to play their part by disposing of waste responsibly and helping to keep drainage channels free of debris.
The initiative will also involve local community groups and unit committees, who will support quarterly clean-up exercises and assist authorities in identifying and reporting illegal dumping activities.
