Cape coast: The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA) has established two ad-hoc committees to find lasting solutions to recurring flooding and the collapse of buildings in the ancient city.
According to Ghana News Agency, the committees have been tasked with identifying all dilapidated structures, instituting urgent demolition and resettlement measures for affected residents, and restoring the city's historic beauty. Their mandate is focused on preventing further loss of life and property and preserving Cape Coast's cultural and architectural heritage for future generations.
The first committee, consisting of 10 members, is chaired by Mr. Enoch Adjei Okpoti, Director of Urban Roads. It includes representatives from various departments such as Physical Planning, Metro Environmental Health, Hydro Engineering, and the National Disaster Management Organisation. Their primary responsibility is to identify and demolish dilapidated structures.
The second committee, a five-member unit responsible for resettlement and restoration of victims, is led by Mr. Lawrence B Botchwey, a Quantity Surveyor. It includes members from Physical Planning, Waste Management, Metro Finance, and Metro Budget Analysis. This committee's focus is on identifying suitable resettlement sites and developing funding proposals for those displaced.
Under their terms of reference, the committees are also tasked with identifying structures built on waterways, checking permit compliance, and scheduling the removal of structures that need immediate demolition. Additionally, they are to develop a drainage master plan, carry out desilting and expansion of drains, and conduct community sensitisation.
Mr. George Justice Arthur, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, announced these measures at a press conference, outlining the Assembly's interventions following heavy rains that led to disasters. The torrential rains resulted in the collapse of 10 houses, killing four people, including three children, and leaving one person missing. The flooding affected multiple areas, including Ekon, Abura, and the University of Cape Coast environs.
Mr. Arthur highlighted the causes of building collapses and flooding, such as over-aged mud buildings, construction on waterways, and improper waste disposal. To address these challenges, the Assembly plans to expand major storm drains, desilt existing ones, demolish unauthorized structures, and intensify sensitisation on proper waste disposal and maintenance.