The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has disclosed that their initial report shows that most of the flooding that occurred on Saturday 21 May, 2022 in Accra was flush flooding which is caused by blockage in the waterways and drainage systems.
“As of the time we are speaking in your studio, we have not recorded any death yet but several properties have been destroyed” George Ayisi the NADMO Communication Director told Alfred Ocansey on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on Monday 23 May, 2022
Mr. Ayisi emphasised that bringing into force a Legislative Instrument to compel developers to secure Disaster Clearance Certificate before putting up buildings will help curb the flooding in Accra.
“There are a lot of things we have to look at such as; the reengineering of the city and the law enforcement. There is the need to have people secure Disaster Clearance Certificate from NADMO before one can start a project after which a Habitation Certificate must be acquired before the building is put into use,” he said.
George Ayisi alluded that it falls within the remit of the Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that proper drainages are constructed, and the continues dredging and desilting of drains all year on.
“The interesting thing is that the first point of call any time there is a flood is NADMO but some of the issues do not fall within our domain. We have identified the flash points, we have identified some weak storm drains and some buildings on waterways that are creating the floods but NADMO does not have the power to demolish such buildings. It is the responsibility of the Assemblies,” he iterated
Last Saturday’s rain lasted for over ten hours leading to flooding in some areas within Accra and its surrounding areas. Several properties have been destroyed whereas some families have been displaced by the flood.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency has warned that more rains are expected and urges people to exercise caution.
By Samuel Afriyie Owusu|3news.com|Ghana