[rev_slider alias="HOUSING MINISTER ADVOCATES FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF HYDRO FUND"]
The Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has called for the establishment of a Hydro Fund to address the perennial issues of flooding and inadequate drainage systems in the country.
This call came during his recent inspection of key construction projects in the Abuakwa North Municipality, where he emphasized the critical need for sustainable funding to manage the country’s waterway infrastructure effectively.
Minister Oppong Nkrumah highlighted that the Hydro Fund would enable the government to make significant and consistent allocations specifically for the construction of drainage systems and dredging works.
“Establishing a Hydro Fund will ensure that we have dedicated resources to maintain and develop our drainage infrastructure. This is crucial for mitigating flood risks and improving the overall resilience of our communities,” he stated.
The proposal for the Hydro Fund comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with severe flooding issues, particularly during the rainy season. The fund would provide a structured financial mechanism to address these challenges proactively, ensuring that necessary works are carried out without delay.
During his inspection tour, Minister Oppong Nkrumah visited several sites, including the newly completed bridge over the Birim River in Kyebi. This vital infrastructure project was designed to mitigate the risk of flooding, a recurrent problem in the area. The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining rivers and waterways to prevent such incidents.
“The Birim River has previously overflown its banks, causing significant disruption and displacement within Kyebi. To prevent future floods, we need to regularly dredge and remove silt from our rivers. The Hydro Fund will provide the necessary resources to ensure these activities are carried out consistently,” he explained.
In addition to addressing waterway management, the Minister also inspected ongoing construction projects aimed at enhancing local infrastructure. These included the construction of a Modern Community Market Center and the Fire Service Training School, both nearing completion. These projects are expected to boost local commerce and improve emergency response capabilities in the region.
“I have instructed the contractors to work diligently to meet the project deadlines. These facilities are crucial for the development of our community and must be completed on schedule,” the Minister emphasized.
A significant portion of the Minister’s visit was dedicated to addressing health and safety standards on construction sites. He expressed concern over the observed neglect of safety gear and protocols among workers.
“The Works Inspectorate Unit of the Ministry has noted a worrying trend of disregard for safety gear among workers. It is imperative that contractors ensure all workers are equipped with appropriate safety gear to prevent onsite injuries or fatalities,” Oppong Nkrumah stated.
He stressed that maintaining high safety standards is not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty to protect the lives and well-being of workers.