Reclamation of the Lafa water retention basin at Mallam has begun as part of government’s efforts to reduce the risk of flooding in Mallam, Weija, Dansoman and nearby communities.
The 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces is leading the operation to restore the basin’s capacity, which has been reduced by years of accumulated solid waste, silt and illegal encroachments.
The exercise involves dredging the basin, removing waste for disposal at a designated landfill site and demolishing illegal structures within the water reserve.
Protective embankments will also be constructed as part of the works to strengthen the basin and improve its ability to retain excess water during heavy rainfall.
The intervention is being coordinated by the Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force and forms part of a wider government programme to restore waterways and drainage channels across Accra following the devastating floods of June 29.
Government has made equipment and other resources available for the exercise, with similar flood mitigation works also underway at Oyarifa, East Legon and the Kpeshie Lagoon area.
Authorities are urging residents to cooperate with the taskforce and refrain from activities that obstruct waterways or encroach on areas designated for flood control.
The reclamation of the Lafa basin is expected to improve its capacity to contain stormwater and reduce flooding risks in communities downstream.
