The construction of the two storm drains, financed by ORIO, a Dutch Government Development Agency at the cost of Euros 42.3 million, is aimed at reducing the perennial flooding in communities that the two water bodies pass through.

The Onyasia drain runs from Okponglo through to Alajo, where it joins the Odaw drain. The upper reach of the drain is  covered with grass and bushes while the lower part, which starts from Emmanuel Eye Clinic through Dzorwulu to Alajo, has been heavily encroached on.

The Lafa drain is joined by tributaries from the Gbawe Hills, the Sowutuom drain, the Awoshie drain, the Mallam drain and the Gbawe drain, which connect to the Lafa at various points. The drain then continues through the Pambros Salt Flats and finally ends in the estuary of the Densu River before entering into the Atlantic Ocean.

The two drains have  been partially constructed and the new project which will see the construction of 11.3 kilometres of the Lafa and 5.8 kilometres of the Onyasia. The construction is part of the flood-prevention measures instituted by the implementing agencies.

Ghana nearly missed the funds from the Dutch government for the project because of the poor condition of some constructed drains including the Odaw River, the Director of Project Coordinating Unit at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kofi Howard stated.

Speaking at the first seminar with stakeholders as part of the initial preparations, Mr Howard explained that the Dutch government rejected the first application to finance the construction of the Lafa and Onyasia because it was not convinced that the country would be able to maintain them.

That decision, however, changed when another application was submitted with a maintenance budget factored into the total cost for the project.

The seminar was attended by officials of local government, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Electricity Company of Ghana, persons affected by the project, as well as assembly members of  the communities that the two water bodies flow through.

The seminar also provided a platform for all stakeholders to discuss issues pertaining to the design and execution of the project, which would enable Watertech Limited, a local consulting company, to factor such concerns into its final designs.

Explaining the benefits of the project when completed, Reverend E.N.D. Amoo of Watertech Limited, said the capacity of the two drains would be enhanced to carry more runoffs during the rainy season and also reduce flooding.

As part of the programme, the two drains would be cleared, deepened, widened, and lined. Illegal structures which have also been sited along the path of the two water bodies would also be removed.

The Managing Director of Watertech Limited, Mr Ben Yankson, said the project had been categorised into three phases.

The development phase, which involves seminars and review of designs, will take six months; the implementation stage, 27 months, and the operation and maintenance phase, which would last 10 years. 

Story: Naa Lamiley Bentil