Gov’t to fund long-term flood control measures under the 2027 Budget

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources to develop a comprehensive and permanent solution to recurring flooding in Accra and other flood-prone parts of the country. This move comes in response to the recurring seasonal flooding in Accra and other urban centres that has repeatedly caused displacement, property damage and loss of life in recent years.

Background

The issue of recurring flooding in Accra and other urban centres has been a pressing concern for the government. Urban drainage and sanitation projects, including the GARID initiative, have previously been tied to efforts to manage the capital's flood risk. However, it appears that these efforts have not been enough to address the root cause of the problem.

What This Means

Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament, Dr Forson said additional resources were already being made available for ongoing dredging and construction of critical drains in affected areas, acting on the President's direction. "On the direction of his excellency the President, I am making available additional resources for ongoing dredging and construction of critical drains in the affected areas," he told the House. However, it is worth noting that funding for the broader, permanent solution to flooding will be captured in the 2027 budget and the medium-term expenditure framework, rather than in the current fiscal year.

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What Happens Next

The announcement by Dr Forson is seen as a significant step towards addressing the issue of recurring flooding in Accra and other urban centres. However, it remains to be seen how effective the measures will be in preventing future flooding. The government's decision to include funding for the permanent solution in the 2027 budget suggests that it is committed to addressing the root cause of the problem. As the government moves forward with implementing these measures, it will be important to monitor their progress and assess their effectiveness in preventing future flooding.

Source: JOY