Engineer proposes 12-point solution to end perennial floods – Nsemkeka
As Ghana faces increasingly severe flooding each rainy season, a Ghanaian engineer has developed an integrated solution to address the country’s persistent flood challenges.
The CEO of Danywise Estate and Construction, Frank Aboagye Danyansah, has released a 12-point proposal to the government after devastating floods yesterday, May 18.
The downpour submerged entire neighbourhoods in Accra, Kumasi, and other urban centres, displacing thousands, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and claiming three lives in Adenta.
Mr Danyansah, a technical expert in construction, who contributed to the National Housing Policy, Land Use and Spatial Planning Act 2016, Ghana Housing Authority Bill 2022 and the Ghana Rent Bill 2022, presents a strategy combining modern engineering with sustainable urban design to create long-term flood resilience.
Mr Danyansah wants the government to immediately halt permission for building or rebuilding on floodplains.
He highlights the creation of flood control systems: levees, dikes, overflow systems, adjustable dams and shore up river banks.
“Addressing inadequate drainage systems requires investment in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, as well as improved stormwater management practices,” he told Nsemkeka and urged authorities to focus on “developing flood emergency protocols and early warning systems, building cooperation mechanisms between the city, government, meteorological agencies and emergency institutions.”
“When these are done simultaneously and continuously, we will have a safe and flood-free country, Ghana,” he assured.
Below is a summary of the suggestions to the government.
2 SOLUTIONS TO CONTROL FLOODING IN GHANA
- Smart rainwater management (NADMO from National to Districts in Ghana)
- Create detention basins.
- Building flood control infrastructure.
- Use permeable materials.
- Keep the sewer system clean.
- Install water infiltration and attenuation systems.
- Individual floodproofing proofing measures (Individuals should stop tiling or concreting all the compounds of their houses; it’s a great factor in flooding.)
- Sponge cities (Fast disappearance of rainwater)
- Permeable pavement (this should be adopted by both government and the private sector)
- Improved drainage system
- Improve flood warning mechanisms (the Ghana Meteorological Agency and the Ghana Hydrological Authority should do more).
- Rainwater harvesting (catch falling rain into main canals, dams and reservoirs, and reuse for irrigation and other purposes; with recycling, it can be used as drinking water.)