Dr Okoe Vanderpuije urges gov't to invest in rainwater retention facilities to tackle floods

Dr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South and former Mayor of Accra, has urged the government to set aside funds for the construction of water retention facilities to harvest rainwater as part of measures to address perennial flooding nationwide.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Mid-Year Budget Review, Dr Vanderpuije stressed that deliberate efforts must be made to tackle flooding, which continued to affect lives and property in Accra and other parts of Ghana.

He explained that rainwater harvesting infrastructure would not only reduce flood risks but also provide alternative water sources for communities.

Flooding has become a recurring challenge in Accra and other urban centres, often linked to poor drainage systems, unplanned settlements, and indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste.

The floods on June 29, 2026, which affected several regions, reignited calls for sustainable flood management strategies.

The government has in recent years invested in desilting drains and public clean-up exercises, but experts argue that long-term solutions such as water retention facilities, improved urban planning, and stricter enforcement of building regulations are needed to mitigate the impact of heavy rains.

Dr Vanderpuije's call adds to growing pressure on policymakers to adopt comprehensive measures that combine infrastructure development with environmental management to safeguard communities against perennial floods.

GNA