By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah, GNA
Sakumono, April 10, GNA – As part of proactive measures to prevent flooding ahead of the rainy season. Mr Ludwig Teye Totimeh, Tema West Municipal Chief Executive, has announced plans to allocate adequate funding to support extensive dredging operations across the municipality.
Addressing assembly members and stakeholders at a general assembly meeting held at the Tema West Municipal Assembly Hall, Mr Totimeh said the intervention forms part of a broader strategy by the assembly to strengthen climate resilience and safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure during periods of heavy rainfall.
He said dredging, desilting and incorporating outfalls systems along the corridors of the road had already taken place, but more was needed to be done.
He emphasised that flooding remained the leading cause of disasters within the municipality due to poor drainage systems, unregulated construction, and the accumulation of silt in waterways.
Reading his sessional address, he said the assembly had prioritised the allocation of resources to intensify dredging and desilting activities across major drains and water channels.
According to him, ensuring sufficient funding for these interventions was critical to improving water flow and reducing the risk of floodwater overflowing into residential communities during heavy rains.
Mr Totimeh assured that the assembly was committed not only to dredging but also to removing structures that obstructed natural waterways, describing encroachment on drainage as a significant contributor to flooding and stressed that enforcement efforts would be strengthened to address the issue.
He added that the assembly was integrating road infrastructure improvements into its flood prevention strategy, with plans to rehabilitate deteriorated roads and construct drainage systems that could effectively withstand heavy rainfall.
Mr Totimeh said targeted intervention on potholes, and the reshaping of unpaved roads had significantly improved road safety, particularly during the rainy season.
He called on assembly members and local leaders to support these efforts by promptly reporting illegal developments, noting that early intervention could prevent future disasters and minimise the need for costly demolitions.
He mentioned that the assembly’s agriculture sector had made significant strides in collaboration with other stakeholders and institutions, adding that it had also outlined developmental activities for the year, among others.
The MCE, however, said the municipality continues to face a lot of challenges, including inadequate funding, rapid urbanisation and encroachment of road reservation that was increasing pressure on the existing road infrastructure, which calls for innovative, cost-effective solutions as well as adoption of concrete pavement blocks on some parts of the roads.
Mr James Enu, Member of Parliament for Tema West, commended stakeholders for their sustained contributions to the development of the municipality.
He identified unemployment as a major challenge confronting the area, noting that his office had established a dedicated centre to address the issue, explaining that the initiative was designed to support residents in diverse ways such as providing skills training for those seeking employable competencies, as well as financial assistance for individuals aiming to expand their businesses.
He further expressed concern about the adverse impact of partisan politics on local governance and development and urged stakeholders and residents to set aside political differences and prioritise collective efforts toward national development.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Lydia Kukua Asamoah