Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has clarified reports on her efforts to improve street lighting in the region, stating that her office has successfully worked on 128 street lights so far.
Speaking on ABC Midday News on Wednesday, she emphasized her commitment to enhancing visibility and security across the region. “I have been able to work on 128 streets within the Greater Accra District,” she stated.
However, she noted that some areas remain without functioning streetlights due to ongoing road construction.
“We were not able to fix lights in certain areas because their roads were under construction, but we will definitely install them once the roads are completed,” she assured.
Providing a timeline for further progress, Ocloo disclosed that with contractors already on-site, she expects significant improvements within the next two months. “In 50 days, at least we should expect 70% of our street lights done,” she projected.
She also highlighted the collaborative efforts that have made the initiative possible.
“I engaged all my stakeholders—FIDA, Roads and Highways, ECG, the Ministry of Energy… It’s a contribution from all angles,” she explained, detailing the financing behind the streetlight restoration project.
The minister also addressed recent concerns regarding flooding in Accra following heavy rainfall. She assured residents that the region is prepared to handle any potential disasters.
“Greater Accra is fully prepared to manage any disaster. I have tasked MMDAs, engineers, and NADMO to give me a comprehensive report on the cost and extent of damage in various districts so we can act accordingly,” she stated.
She revealed that dredging and desilting works are ongoing at Odorna to improve drainage.
“We are planning to dredge and distill Odorna,” she noted, adding that she had visited flood victims in Madina to express her sympathies.
To address the root causes of flooding, Ocloo stressed the importance of law enforcement, particularly against illegal structures on waterways and improper waste disposal.
“We have to enforce the law because if we don’t, these drains will eventually be blocked again,” she said.
She announced the introduction of the Greater Accra Sanitation Day, which was recently held in Madina, and plans to launch a National Sanitation Day every last Saturday of the month.
“It’s about education to change attitudes. We’ve tasked all district assemblies to educate the public,” she explained. Furthermore, she warned that individuals caught dumping refuse into drains would face arrest.
“Dumping waste in drainage systems is a major cause of flooding in most flood-prone areas. We must act,” she stated. While she remained committed to addressing the flooding challenge, she emphasized that a full timeline would only be set after the appointment of District Chief Executives.
“I just want my DCEs in place before we can give any timeline on ending flooding in the district,” she concluded.
By Ruth Sekyi – ABC News GH
