Residents of Gbegbeyise-Shiabu in Dansoman, located within the Ablekuma West Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, have expressed optimism as work steadily advances on the 5-kilometre sea defence wall project.
The project, which had faced significant delays, aims to mitigate the longstanding damage caused by flooding and tidal waves, offering crucial protection to vulnerable communities along the coast.
Speaking to Channel One News on Monday, April 28, some residents noted that while there have been no major incidents recently, they believe the true impact of the ongoing work will become evident during the heavy rains expected in June and July.
“There have been a lot of changes, and we have seen improvement. They are trying, they have been working every day with their trucks and cars just to get the work done,” a resident said.
Another added, “Currently, the damage caused by the sea to the buildings has reduced. We are expecting the rain to start, and that is when we can decide whether the sea defence has been completely done or not. At the moment, we can’t conclude.”
The Assembly Member for the Gbebu-Mpoase Electoral Area, Wilberforce Mensah, also urged contractors to expedite the work to prevent any potential disasters.
“For the past few months, the sea has disturbed the people for a long time, but due to the efforts of the former MP and the government, who started the sea defence, the people are no longer going through what they used to go through. So we are hoping that they will complete the project so that the people will continue to enjoy the freedom that they are enjoying for the first time,” he urged.
Meanwhile, the Site Manager, speaking off the record, revealed that although the project was originally scheduled for completion in four years, it may be finished earlier, possibly within two to three years.