Urban Flooding, Adaptation Strategies, and Resilience: Case Study of Accra, Ghana
Loading...
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation
Abstract
Despite massive flood-controlling investments, perennial flooding continues to be
a major challenge in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Assembly in Ghana. Previous studies have mostly considered the vulnerability of Accra to flooding induced
by urbanization and climate change. This chapter examined the impacts of and
adaptation strategies to flooding in two flood-prone residential areas in Accra. A
survey was conducted among 320 household heads to ascertain the local impacts of
floods and community adaptation strategies. To obtain a broader picture of
government interventions and challenges, key stakeholders such as personnel
from ministries, departments, and agencies who are involved in city planning, and private urban planning consultants were interviewed. The study found that a
notable driver of floods in Accra is blocked waterways, and flawed and ad hoc
engineering works. About three-quarters of the households interviewed have
suffered flood-related losses over the past decade such as housing damage,
income, and even the death of a relative. Key flood control interventions included
dredging before the start of rains and sporadic demolition of unauthorized buildings
on or near waterways to allow the free flow of water. However, these interventions
only seem to be ephemeral due to the rapid rate of littering and re-siltation of the
waterways after a few rain events. The study highlights the need for more pragmatic and robust engineering solutions to build the resilience of Accra to floods.
Description
Research Article