After exposè of drainage problems... STMA rushes to construct drains...signs contract with Chinese firm

Following the exposè of drainage problems, residents of Takoradi and its metropolis have been encountering for years by the Western File last week, the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has moved swiftly to end the problem.

Consequently, it has signed a contract with Messrs China Zhong Hao Ghana Limited, a construction firm, for work to start on the Sekondi-Takoradi Storm Drain Project.

The purpose of the project is aimed at improving the drainage system, and minimizing periodic flooding in flood prone areas, such as Essikafo-Abantsem Number Two and West Tanokrom, among other areas in the metropolis.

The project is being funded by the World Bank, at a total cost of GH¢3.1 million, and would be executed within a period of 18 months.

It includes the improvement of 1,800 meters of the Kokonpe-Adakope drain, 1,020 meters of the Ashanti Road Adakope drain, 600 meters of the Ghana Water Company Limited–Maersk drain, and 550 meters of the West Tanokrom 'Tsunami' drain, including the construction of culverts.

Others are the reinforced concrete lining of 165 meters of the West Tanokrom tributary drain.

After the signing of the contract, the contractors are expected to move to the project site, within two weeks, for work to commence.

The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Kwesi Nkrumah, who signed the contact on behalf of the STMA, urged residents in the metropolis, to view the project with the deserved importance, since it was aimed at improving the drainage system, and reducing flooding in the selected areas.

A representative of Messrs China Zhong Hao Limited, Mr. Yumin Rao, appealed to residents in the metropolis, to cooperate with the company, to enable it execute an excellent job.