AMA performs sod-cutting for Odaw River fence project

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) last Tuesday cut the sod to begin the construction of a 5.64 kilometre wall along the Odaw River and the Korle Lagoon.

The wall is intended to prevent further pollution of the lagoon, and the river, as well as restore the eco-system in the area.

It is also to prevent the re-occurrence of the June 3, 2015 disaster that claimed many lives and also destroyed property worth thousands of cedis.

Appeal for funds

Speaking at the ceremony in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of the AMA, Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, said after the flood and fire disaster, several companies, including the Engineers and Planners, came forward, to dredge the Korle Lagoon.

That, he said, followed the massive demolition of some unwarranted buildings along the lagoon and the river, which contributed to the floods.

He added that in order to maintain the work that was done along the river and the lagoon, it was important to fence the banks to prevent people from encroaching on it.

Mr Vanderpuije, therefore, lauded the people of Turkey for donating an amount of $100,000 out of the $ 4 million dollars needed for the fencing of the banks of the lagoon and the river.

He also called on individuals, companies and corporate organisations to provide support for the construction of the fence.

“It is in our own interest and that of the nation that we undertake this project. We want to assure everyone that the AMA will put all donations into the construction of the wall,” he stated.

Mr Vanderpuije said the AMA will also commit some of its internally generated funds towards the project, adding that there was the need for the public to begin to respect the environment and maintain proper sanitary conditions around them.

For her part, the Turkish Ambassador, Ms Nesrin Bayazit, expressed Turkey’s commitment to support Ghana in her time of need.