Accra:A three-phase action plan to address flood-prone areas will be implemented over 12 months until October next year, covering short, medium, and long-term measures, stated Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the short-term measures will include clearing drains, removing silt and obstructions, and inspecting retention ponds, pumping stations, and sluice gates to reduce flood risks, especially before the Northeast Monsoon. For the medium term, efforts will focus on upgrading drainage systems and resolving bottlenecks in water flow based on technical assessments.
Nga Kor Ming was speaking after chairing the kick-off meeting to coordinate the National Master Plan for Flood Hotspots, which involves cooperation between the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA).
Long-term measures will involve solutions at the drainage system and river basin levels, including infrastructure planning that considers changes in land use, future development, and increased risks from extreme rainfall. Nga emphasized that flood risk management requires integrated cooperation among ministries and departments, guided by accurate data and clear division of responsibilities to ensure effective action.
The national master plan aims to strengthen efforts to prevent and reduce flood disaster risks while enhancing preparedness and supporting early warning mechanisms to safeguard public safety and well-being. Over the past three years, 284 flash flood hotspots have been addressed and removed from the list of flood-risk areas.
According to Local Government Department records as of October 7, there were 1,445 flash flood hotspots recorded nationwide, down from 1,466 in January this year. The net reduction of 21 locations was achieved after addressing 284 hotspots, while 263 new hotspots were identified for immediate intervention.
The national master plan was developed following a Cabinet meeting decision on September 30, which stipulated that flood hotspot management should cover urban and rural areas, including villages.