Reclamation work has officially commenced at the Lafa water retention basin in Mallam as authorities intensify efforts to restore the facility and address flooding in several communities within the Greater Accra Region.
The intervention follows years of deliberate illegal dumping of solid waste and laterite into the basin, which has significantly reduced its capacity and obstructed the natural flow of rainwater to the sea.
The siltation and obstruction of the waterway have been identified as contributing factors to severe flooding experienced during the June 29 rains, particularly in Blue Lagoon, Mallam, Weija, McCarthy Hill, Santa Maria, the Awoshie-Kasoa corridor and parts of Dansoman.
The Engineer Brigade of the Ghana Armed Forces, working together with the Ghana Hydrological Authority, is deploying heavy-duty equipment to break up compacted waste and laterite, while dredging and excavation works are being undertaken to restore the basin’s original capacity.
Authorities say the operation will continue for several weeks, with excavated debris being removed at night to minimise traffic disruptions and inconvenience to residents.
Illegal structures to be removed
As part of the reclamation exercise, all illegal buildings and other structures located within the designated water reserve are expected to be removed.
Authorities have warned individuals and businesses against encroaching on water reserves, selling land within protected waterways or constructing structures that obstruct drainage channels.
Residents have also been reminded that dumping solid waste into waterways and water-retention facilities is prohibited and poses a serious threat to communities, particularly during heavy rainfall.
The authorities say the enforcement action is intended to end what they describe as years of impunity and restore the capacity of critical drainage infrastructure.
“We cannot allow the actions of a few to jeopardise the lives, property and livelihoods of entire communities.”
Residents and local communities have consequently been urged to cooperate with the teams working at the Lafa basin while the reclamation exercise continues.
The intervention forms part of the broader Resetting Ghana agenda aimed at strengthening flood management, protecting communities and improving urban resilience.
Authorities are expected to maintain the reclamation and enforcement operations until the water retention basin and its surrounding channels are restored to support the safe movement of stormwater.
