TMA TO CONSTRUCT 7 MAJOR STORM DRAINS (PAGE 18, APRIL 30, 2010)

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) is spending about GH¢4.7 million to construct seven major storm drains and culverts in the metropolis to avert flooding and alleviate the suffering of residents during rainy seasons.
The project, funded by the World Bank under the Urban Environment and Sanitation Project (UESP), is to cover drains in the Ashaiman Municipality.
The storm drains are the Tema Market One Market drain, Tema Oil Refinery Drain which runs into the Chemu Lagoon before entering the sea at the Canoe beach,the SOS drain which collects water from communities nine, eight and seven into the sea and the timber market drain.
The others are the Gao Lagoon at Kpone,Gbemi stream at Ashaiman Newtown and the Water Works drain behind the Ashaiman Senior High school.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Metropolitan Architect, who is the Project Co-ordinator, Mr Xorla Ahadji, said the contract was signed in December 2009 and awarded to Rinacand/Big Aidoo Contractors.
He said documentation on the project was at its final stage and that the contractors were given 18 months to finish the work.
Mr Ahadji noted that the project was necessary because most areas in the Tema Metropolis and Ashaiman Municipality were low lying ground, which made them flood prone.
He said it was unfortunate some residents had encroached on the edges of the drains,making the situation worse.
Mr Ahadji explained that garbage generated by these squatters and developers who did not have permits had choked the drains.
He commended the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly for initiating the demolition exercise to pave way for the project .
Mr Ahadji appealed to residents to co-operate for the project to be executed effectively and efficiently.
Meanwhile, work on the 53 kilometre road network in the Tema Metropolis and the Ashaiman Municipality is ongoing.
The Vice-President, John Mahama, cut the sod for work to start on the roads.
He said the project, which was solely funded by the government of Ghana, was estimated to cost GH¢ 30 million.
A drive round Tema and part of Ashaiman showed positive signs that work is ongoing, with dug out drains which hitherto, were not available.
Residents have expressed their appreciation for the work but appealed to the contractors to create alternative bypass for drivers and pedestrians who are currently finding it difficult to use the roads.
It was, however, observed that the dug out soil from the side drains of the new drains have contributed to the heap of soil along the roads.
Roads currently under construction are the Tema central business district,Tema Oil Refinery road, Kpone main roads linking the junction on the Ada road to Tema, Ashaiman, Zenu, Meriadian to beach road, Lashibi and Klagon roads.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive of Tema, Mr Kempes Ofosuware, said the area had only 30 per cent of its network in good condition and was optimistic that after completion of the road works, Tema and the other areas captured in the project would have first class road network.