Gov’t commits over ₵2.85m to coastal, sea defence works

As part of efforts aimed at addressing the devastation of sea erosion to residents living along the country’s coastal areas, the Works and Housing Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye, says government has committed about GH₵2.85 million towards coastal protection and sea defence works since 2017.

This, he said, is evidenced in completed and ongoing works in areas such as Axim, Amanful Kumah, New Takoradi, Komenda, Cape Coast, Anomabo, Dixcove, Dansoman and Ningo-Prampram.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament during the second reading of the Ghana Hydrological Authority Bill yesterday, Mr Asenso-Boakye said the Ministry considers the protection of the coastlines as very critical to the development of the country.

To this end, he assured commitment to explore avenues for increased investment for sea defence projects to safeguard lives and livelihoods of people living in coastal communities.

He acknowledged the fact that some coastal settlements had been affected by devastating tidal wave actions in notable areas like Solakokpe, Agavedzi and Amutini, all within the Blekusu coastal area.

Commitment

He assured that the needed funds were being sought to complete the 8km second phase of the Blekusu Coastal project, adding that “Government will also continue the implementation of all ongoing projects and commence works at Apam, Axim Phase II, La and Teshie and other sea defense works”.

With the government committing an amount of GH¢450 million into drainage and flood control works across the country, the sector Minister was hopeful that the proposed restructuring of the Hydrological Services Department (HSD) into an autonomous Authority would reduce its reliance on Government subventions.

According to him, it would also equip the organisation with the mechanism and legal framework to mobilize resources internally, through private sector participation to support its operations.

Hydrological Authority

The Minister also expressed the urgent need for a fundamental change in the country’s approach in addressing hydrological challenges in the country.

He said the establishment of the Ghana Hydrological Authority will go a long way to enhance existing hydrology, and provide the essential technical leadership required to tackle drainage and sustain flood management services.

“Government is currently initiating the necessary processes for the establishment of the Ghana Hydrological Authority. The Ghana Hydrological Authority Bill, 2021 is to establish the Ghana Hydrological Authority (GHA) as the state institution responsible for the planning, design, execution, operation and maintenance of flood control mechanisms, coastal engineering works, drainage improvement works, operational and applied hydrology in the country,” he explained.

Challenges

Mr. Asenso-Boakye further indicated that the challenges associated with the delivery of hydrological services had made it difficult for institutions that depend on hydrology related information for construction, irrigation, agriculture and maritime purposes to take full advantage of the department’s services.

In his view, the creation of a well-resourced and highly professional Ghana Hydrological Authority will attract and retain highly skilled staff, and ensure well-coordinated development of drainage and flood management infrastructure in the country.

“The Authority will also be in the position to engage with Development Partners and explore sources of funding other than Government of Ghana to undertake flood mitigation projects across the country while enhancing the resilience of our communities and essential infrastructure,” the Minister added.