Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has provided insights into the financial backing of the ongoing streetlight restoration project in the region.
Speaking on ABC Midday News on Wednesday, she emphasized that the initiative is being funded through collaborative efforts from various stakeholders.
“I engaged all my stakeholders—FIDA, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, ECG, and the Ministry of Energy. It’s a contribution from all angles,” she revealed.
Ocloo further disclosed that her administration has successfully worked on 128 streets across the Greater Accra region. However, she acknowledged that certain roads remain without streetlights due to ongoing construction. “We have all contractors on site. In 50 days, at least 70% of our streetlights should be fixed,” she assured.
Preparedness Amid Heavy Rains
Addressing concerns over the recent heavy rains in the capital, the Minister reaffirmed the region’s readiness to handle any potential disasters. “Greater Accra is fully prepared to manage any disaster,” she stated.
To mitigate flood risks, Ocloo has tasked MMDAs, engineers, and NADMO to provide a detailed report on the extent of damage in various districts. “There is an ongoing project at Odawna. We are planning to dredge and desilt the Odaw River,” she added.
Expressing sympathy for flood victims, she noted that she had personally visited affected residents in Madina.
Measures Against Illegal Developments and Poor Sanitation
Ocloo stressed the need for law enforcement regarding illegal structures on waterways. “If we don’t enforce the law, eventually those drains will remain blocked,” she warned, urging local assemblies to take action.
As part of efforts to address sanitation challenges, she highlighted the launch of the Greater Accra Sanitation Day, which took place last month in Madina. She also announced the introduction of a National Sanitation Day, set to be observed every last Saturday of the month.
“It’s about education to change attitudes. We’ve tasked all district assemblies to ensure they educate the public,” she stated.
The Minister emphasized that individuals caught dumping waste into drainage systems should be arrested, as such activities significantly contribute to flooding.
“We have to enforce the law,” she stressed.
Timeline on addressing flooding
On the timeline for flood mitigation efforts, Ocloo stated that she was waiting for District Chief Executives (DCEs) to be in place before setting clear deadlines.
The streetlight restoration project is part of a broader plan to improve visibility and security across the region. Key roads benefiting from the initiative include the George Walker Bush Highway, ACP to Pokuase, Independence Avenue (Jubilee House), and the New Town Junction to Ashaiman road.
Meanwhile, residents of Accra continue to call on the government to urgently fix the city’s drainage system to prevent further devastation caused by heavy rainfall.
