Engage professionals to curb flooding- Architects

The Architects Registration Council of Ghana (ARC) has advised government and private entities to be vigilant and engage built environment professionals in the design and execution of public and private infrastructure.

The council said there were a number of qualified architects, engineers, surveyors and  planners who were capable of offering services for the professional execution of infrastructure in the country.

It said the practice of allowing unqualified individuals to supervise public works has led to the execution of shoddy works with all the attendant challenges.

The Registrar of the council, Arc (Mrs) Stella N.D. Arthiabah, who gave the advice, said engaging the appropriate professionals would not only save cost, but also help the country respond effectively to its perennial flooding and associated problems.

She was commenting on the onset of the rainy season and cases of flooding that hit parts of the country, including the capital Accra. She explained that with the engagement of qualified professionals for architectural  and engineering works, there would be a holistic and consistent approach to the design and implementation of buildings and drainage systems, which would facilitate the easy flow of rain water during downpours.

This way, she said, the flooding challenges of the country would be addressed, as roads and pavements would be rid of unwanted water and buildings would not be put in waterways.

She advised estate developers to engage professionals in the course of the execution of their projects and adequately invest in external works – covering drains where necessary and employing appropriate landscaping.

Mrs Arthiabah said with the approach of the rainy season, drains should be cleared of silt and covered to curb flooding and the resultant destruction of lives, roads and property.

Under the Architects Act of 1969 (NLCD 357), the Council controls the practice of architecture in Ghana, prescribes and upholds standards of professional conduct and ethics in the interest of the public.