The Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei has asked the local government ministry to ensure that metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) plans are constantly mainstreamed in the country’s developmental agenda.
According to her, as part of efforts to address climate action such as perennial flooding, and infrastructural deficit, involving MMDA plans will enable the ministry to shape policies regarding developments and infrastructure at the district levels across the country.
Contributing to a statement by the MP for Asante-Akim North on the ‘State of Ghana’s Drainage Infrastructure’ on Tuesday, she said “As a country if we fail to plan, we will plan to fail, is probably one of the reasons we are experiencing this perennial flooding and also experiencing high deficit infrastructure.”
For her, parliament with its oversight responsibility has never questioned the MMDAs on plans they have and whether it is being followed religiously.
“It is very important that we request for a plan from each of the MMDAs to ensure that we have a systematic way of developing our country. MMDAs have plans, however, the lack of supervision by the relevant authorities tends to perpetuate the poor maintenance culture, not only at construction sites but also at the city’s drainage system in general.”
For Ms Appiagyei, “If you have a plan, you will always ensure they are pursued and monitored… I recommend that the minister for local government should pursue the need for each of the district, MMDAs to address this issue, otherwise we will be firefighting.” she noted.
The maker of the statement, Andy Appiah-Kubi stated that the threat of climate change is real and called on the government to enhance resilience and heighten the potential of the country’s nature-based solutions.
He also indicated that MMDAs should strictly enforce the planning laws and building codes to prevent development on waterways and wetlands, promoting sustainable drainage systems across the country.
“We need to increase investment in drainage and flood management systems to enhance our resilience in the country.”
Since 2018, the government has committed GHc450m to the National Flood Control Programme, aimed at allocating resources towards enhancing the flood resilience of vulnerable communities.
The government has so far embarked on 370 desilting projects, Works and Housing Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye told parliament last month.
It has become increasingly evident that human activities are severely impeding the government’s efforts to tackle the issue of flooding.
