The Assembly Member for the Aborlove Nolopi Electoral Area in the Keta Municipality, Hon. Simon Yaw Awadzi, has articulated his opposition to the calls for the reopening of the Havedzi Bridge in light of the recent flooding that has impacted several communities.
In a formal statement regarding this matter, Hon. Awadzi expressed his empathy for residents whose homes, farms, businesses, and livelihoods have been adversely affected by the floods, acknowledging the gravity of their concerns. Nevertheless, he emphasized the necessity for decision-making to be informed by technical assessments, scientific evidence, and sustainable solutions rather than succumbing to public pressure.
He noted that flooding in certain areas of the Keta Municipality represents a longstanding seasonal issue, exacerbated in recent years by shifting weather patterns and climate change. Hon. Awadzi identified the construction of buildings on waterways and inadequate drainage management as significant contributors to the flooding situation.
The Assembly Member underscored the importance of regular dredging of rivers, lagoons, and drainage channels as a more sustainable approach to mitigating flooding. He articulated that dredging would not only enhance water flow but also create opportunities for land reclamation, tourism development, job creation, and economic growth within the municipality.
Furthermore, he advocated for the stricter enforcement of planning regulations to prevent encroachment on waterways, asserting that the protection of natural drainage systems is a collective responsibility. Hon. Awadzi remarked that while the Havedzi Bridge has been previously reopened following consultations with technical experts and stakeholders, it should not be regarded as a routine solution for flooding incidents.
He consequently urged residents and stakeholders to permit engineers, hydrologists, environmental experts, and other relevant authorities to conduct thorough assessments prior to any decisions regarding the bridge.
Hon. Awadzi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting sustainable interventions, including regular dredging, environmental protection, and sound engineering practices, to provide enduring solutions to the flooding challenges faced in the Keta Municipality and its surrounding areas.
