President wants national action against floods

By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday has called for a national collective effort to deal with the perennial flood disasters that affect the country, saying “it is time we tackle the flood menace.”

“We should all work together to comprehensively solve this problem in a non-partisan manner,” he said.
Speaking to residents at Dome during a visit to some of the flood devastated areas in the capital, President Mills said it was time the nation took measures to address the factors, particularly the human factor, that cause the floods.

According to him, the nation has drawn enough lessons from the adverse effects of the flood disasters, and it was time for action.

He bemoaned the situation where political meanings are read into actions by city authorities to prevent such flooding situations, such as the demolition of structures in water ways, indicating that that attitude must change.

“We need to address this problem as a nation,” he said, reminding Ghanaians that until the anti-flooding measures were implemented, flood disasters will keep recurring year after year.

Consequently, the President directed the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to take drastic measures to address the situation, which he described as “unacceptable.”

“This must not be allowed to continue,” he stressed, as he sympathized with the affected residents.

He also charged the city authorities to mobilize resources to as a matter of urgency appropriate drains for the water bodies in the flood prone areas of the city, and asked ensure that all hindrances to the free flow water bodies were removed.


He said it was regrettable that developers continue to violate building regulations and build in water ways thereby preventing the flow of water leading to floods that affect other innocent residents.

He also expressed sympathies with the families of those killed by the flood waters, and charged the city authorities and the NADMO to provide adequate relief to the victims.

President Mills also assured all affected residents of government urgent assistance to alleviate their plight, and urged them to remain calm.

As part of rounds, President Mills visited the Odawna Bridge at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Alajo, Dome Pillar Two and Dome Crossing where he witnessed the devastation caused by the floods resulting from Tuesday night’s heavy downpour.

Parts of buildings in water ways, bridges and portions of roads, were found to have been washed away by the floods, which claimed five lives, and displaced hundreds of households and workers, with vehicles still submerged in the flood.

Kofi Portuphy, National Coordinator of NADMO, conducting the President around, said 12 rescue teams consisting of the AMA, Fire Service, Military and NADMO were helping with rescue and relief efforts in the affected areas.


He said the displaced residents were being identified for the necessary relief items to be provided as a short term measure.

“We are also ensuring that all residents are safe,” he told newsmen.
He confirmed the death of four, indicating that his outfit was yet to ascertain the veracity of reports of additional deaths.
END