NADMO cautions residents of flood-prone areas

NADMO

Accra, May 20, GNA - Mr Kofi Portuphy, National Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has cautioned residents of flood-prone areas in the Accra metropolis to relocate to safe places, to avoid becoming disaster victims this rainy season.

He said NADMO would pull down buildings of those who would fail to evacuate to  mitigate the effects of flood disaster.

Mr. Portuphy made the appeal during an inspection of projects initiated by NADMO at some flood-prone areas in Accra.

He said as part of efforts to curb disaster during this year's rainy season, NDAMO was constructing drains  in flood-prone areas to allow free flow of water.  

Mr. Portuphy was accompanied by a team of personnel from the Police, Fire Service, the Military, Meteorological Agency, Accra Metropolitan Assembly, other NADMO officials and the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinating Affairs.

They interacted with residents of Akwetey ke Akwerteyman,  a suburb of Spintex Road area, Abofu, Atico Junction, Gbawe, Weija Junction, Accra Academy SHS and Villagio, and educated them on how to prepare for the impending rains.

Mr Portuphy  advised owners of buildings on water ways to pull them down to ensure the expansion of drainage.

In some of the areas visited, the rains had caused havoc to houses, bridges and infrastructure.

At Gbawe and Weija Junction, Mr Portuhy accused residents of building close to drainage systems, making it difficult for  expansion and dredging of the facilities.

Mr. Portuphy   said buildings on water ways might be demolished without payment of compensation to owners.

He cautioned residents of Akwetey ke Akwerteyman and Police Quarters near Accra Academy SHS that they could be affected by flood,  and expressed hope that the construction of drainage would help reduce disasters in those areas.

Mr Portuphy appealed to the media to intensify its educational campaign on disaster management and prevention.

GNA