Construction of two Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) retention ponds is scheduled to begin by the end of 2024. The Ghana Hydrological Authority confirmed this timeline. This marks the start of physical work on a project aimed at reducing floods in the region.
The project originally planned for 18 retention ponds. However, technical assessments led to a revised scope. Only two sites are now earmarked for development. One location is in the Ga East Atomic area. Both sites have been secured. Design work for these two ponds is also complete. Eng. Richard Kofi Amekor, Head of Drains at the Hydrological Authority, confirmed these details. He stated that preparatory work continues, including land acquisition.
The GARID project was launched in 2019. It aims to tackle Ghana's persistent flooding issues. These problems have plagued the Greater Accra Region for years. Flooding causes significant economic disruption. It also impacts livelihoods. The project is supported by the World Bank. Previous concerns have focused on the project's slow pace of implementation. The reduced number of ponds reflects new priorities and feasibility studies. The earlier figure of 18 ponds was part of initial planning stages.
"As I mentioned earlier, land acquisition has been one of the major challenges, and the Ministry is working hard to address that," Eng. Amekor said. "We are hopeful that by the end of this year, we will see some physical work on the ground." He referred further questions regarding funding to the Project Coordinating Unit. The GARID initiative involves drainage improvements and infrastructure development.
The commencement of construction, even on a reduced scale, is significant. It signals progress on a critical infrastructure project. Potential investors and citizens will monitor the pace of implementation. Any further delays could raise more questions about government efficiency. The success of these two ponds could pave the way for future phases. Flood mitigation remains a priority for Accra's development and economic stability.