The Ga East Municipal Assembly has begun demolishing structures erected on waterways and drainage reservations as part of efforts to reduce flooding and safeguard lives and property during the rainy season.
The exercise, currently underway in parts of the municipality, forms part of a broader campaign to enforce planning regulations and improve the flow of stormwater through key drainage channels.
Officials say hundreds of unauthorised structures built in waterways and flood-prone areas have been identified and could be affected by the operation.
Speaking to JoyNews, a National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) official involved in the exercise explained that the affected area serves as a major collection point for runoff from surrounding communities, making it highly vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains.
According to the official, floodwaters from areas including Madina converge in the channel, causing water levels to rise rapidly and inundate nearby communities.
He said the demolition exercise is intended to clear obstructions that impede the natural flow of water and contribute to recurring floods.
“We are creating a clear path for water to flow through the drainage system. Despite the flooding risks, people continue to build within the watercourse,” he noted.
Residents in the area acknowledged the flooding challenges and welcomed efforts to address the problem.
One resident said overflowing drains frequently make movement difficult during periods of heavy rainfall.
Another attributed the worsening situation to recent developments along the waterway, suggesting that some structures have contributed to restricting the flow of water.
The Assembly has indicated that the exercise will continue in the coming days, warning that additional unauthorised structures obstructing drainage channels will be removed as part of efforts to mitigate flooding across the municipality.
