AMA Launches Major Desilting Exercise on Okaikwei Road Storm Drain in Kantamanto to Combat Flooding
Over 154 Waste Workers Deployed – 60 Tonnes of Waste Already Removed, 120 Tonnes More Expected
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), in collaboration with The Or Foundation and the Kantamanto Obroni Wawu Business Association (KOBA), has commenced a major desilting exercise on the Okaikwei Road storm drain in the Kantamanto area to tackle persistent flooding and improve sanitation.
The operation, which began over the weekend and is still ongoing, forms part of broader efforts to enhance urban resilience in one of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs.
Approximately 154 waste workers from Tide Turners and the June 4 Task Force were deployed for the exercise. The team entered the underground drain system through newly created access points to remove years of accumulated waste.
In the first 12 hours of work, the team successfully cleared about 400 metres of the heavily silted drain, removing large volumes of plastic, silt, and textile waste. So far, 60 tonnes of waste have been cleared, with an estimated 120 tonnes more expected to be removed as the exercise continues.
The storm drain, which runs from Tema Station through Okaikwei Road to the June 4 Market and eventually empties into the Korle Lagoon, had reportedly not been desilted since its construction. This long neglect led to severe blockages and frequent flooding in the area, even after short periods of rainfall.
Speaking to the media during the exercise, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, reiterated the AMA’s commitment to improving drainage systems and building a more flood-resilient city.
“We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to strengthen our drainage infrastructure, improve sanitation, and make Accra more resilient,” he said.
The Head of Waste Management at the AMA, Engineer Solomon Noi, explained that the enclosed design of the drain, which originally had very few access points, had made regular maintenance extremely difficult over the years. The current exercise includes creating better access points to allow for future desilting.
The ongoing operation is expected to significantly reduce flooding in the Kantamanto and surrounding areas once completed.
