Zoomlion, NADMO, partners clean Accra - To improve free flow of rainwater
As part of efforts to reduce flooding and improve environmental sanitation during this rainy season, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), FeDEMS Group Ltd and Dredge Masters Ghana Limited, has organised a three-day clean-up and desilting exercise in selected flood-prone communities within the Greater Accra Region.
The exercise was also supported by personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The exercise, which began on Wednesday, June 10, will end today, June 12. It targeted major drainage channels and watercourses in Roman Ridge, Mallam, Paloma, Circle, Kaneshie and GBC areas, where the teams undertook extensive cleaning and desilting works to improve the free flow of rainwater and reduce the risk of flooding.
The initiative comes in the wake of recent heavy downpours that have triggered flooding in some parts of the capital, raising concerns about the impact of poor waste disposal practices and clogged drainage systems on public safety.
Challenges
Speaking on the sidelines of the exercise, the Greater Accra Regional Director of NADMO, Dennis Nartey, said the collaboration of the participating organisations demonstrated a collective commitment to addressing one of the major causes of flooding in the metropolis.
According to him, every heavy rainfall left behind significant amounts of waste and debris, much of which eventually ended up in drains and watercourses.
He stated that the situation was further aggravated by residents who deliberately dumped refuse into drains, making it difficult for water to flow freely during storms.
Mr Nartey stressed that many of the challenges associated with flooding were man-made and, therefore, required a change in attitude of the public.
He urged residents to dispose of waste responsibly and make use of designated waste collection systems instead of relying on rainwater to carry away refuse.
He used the occasion to promote the ongoing “No Do No Do” campaign, which seeks to discourage indiscriminate littering and encourage environmental responsibility among citizens.
Clean environment
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Sophia Kudjordji, said the initiative was specifically aimed at reducing flood incidents during the rainy season by ensuring that drains and gutters remain free from obstructions.
Ms Kudjordji noted that while rainfall itself could not be prevented, the destruction often associated with floods could be minimised through proper sanitation practices and regular maintenance of drainage infrastructure.
She explained that by clearing drains and removing accumulated waste, communities would be better protected whenever heavy rains occur.
She, therefore, called on residents to support the efforts of sanitation authorities by refraining from dumping refuse into drains and watercourses, stressing that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility.
She expressed confidence that sustained public education and community participation would go a long way toward reducing flooding and safeguarding lives and property across the metropolis.
The Head of Government and Corporate Affairs at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Emma Adwoa Appiah Osei-Duah, said the three-day programme was designed to support flood prevention efforts by clearing waste and silt from critical drainage channels in affected communities.
She added that the partnership reflected a shared commitment to protecting communities and improving environmental conditions across the capital.
