The developers of the Koforidua China Mall, in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), have embarked on a major desilting exercise to clear drains and reopen blocked culverts around the project site at the Kenkey Factory enclave in Koforidua as part of efforts to mitigate flooding and improve environmental sanitation.
The intervention forms part of a broader commitment by the developers to address stormwater challenges and reduce the environmental impact of the ongoing commercial development on surrounding communities.
The exercise involves clearing silt and debris from major drains and reopening old culverts that had become blocked over time, allowing stormwater to flow more freely and easing pressure on the area’s drainage network.
Speaking during the exercise, Francis Yaw Kumi, Project Manager of Joy Industries Limited for the Koforidua China Mall project, said protecting lives, property, and the environment remains a top priority for the developers.
He explained that management had engaged key stakeholders, including the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC), to ensure that all environmental concerns associated with the project are adequately addressed.
According to Mr. Kumi, the developers have adopted short-term measures, including routine desilting of drains and culverts after every major rainfall, to prevent the accumulation of debris and reduce the risk of flooding within the enclave.
“We are committed to complying with all directives from the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and other regulatory authorities. We want to ensure that this investment benefits the region without creating difficulties for neighbouring communities,” he stated.
Mr. Kumi disclosed that, in line with directives from the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the developers will soon commence the construction of a modern drainage system to provide a long-term solution to flooding in the area while supporting economic development.
He, however, noted that lasting flood control would require additional interventions, including dredging the main stormwater channel and widening existing culverts to accommodate increasing volumes of runoff during heavy rains.
The Deputy Eastern Regional Fire Commander, DO I Michael George Korda, described the desilting exercise as a timely intervention that is expected to significantly reduce pressure on the drainage system and minimise the risk of flooding.
He cautioned, however, that while the exercise would provide immediate relief, it should be regarded as a temporary measure until comprehensive drainage infrastructure is completed.
“The desilting exercise is expected to improve the free flow of stormwater and reduce the immediate threat of flooding. However, permanent engineering solutions are needed to address the challenge effectively,” he said.
The Kenkey Factory enclave has historically been identified as a flood-prone area due to inadequate drainage infrastructure, even before the commencement of the China Mall project.
In recent weeks, the Eastern Regional Minister ordered construction work at the project site to be suspended for a second time after heavy rains caused flooding that submerged homes and affected residents in the area.
Prior to the commencement of construction, the developers reportedly entered into an agreement with REGSEC and the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly to reconstruct the narrow drainage system beneath the traffic-light intersection to improve stormwater discharge.
Following discussions with the Regional Minister, the developers renewed their commitment to undertake the drainage reconstruction under the supervision of the Department of Urban Roads and engineers from the Municipal Assembly.
Residents and stakeholders are hopeful that the ongoing drainage improvement works, coupled with the planned construction of modern drainage infrastructure, will provide a sustainable solution to recurring flooding and contribute to environmental resilience and safer communities in Koforidua.
The Koforidua China Mall is a collaborative project between Chinese investors and Joy Industries Limited. Source:
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
