Work has begun to reclaim the Lafa water retention basin at Mallam as part of the government’s efforts to reduce the risk of flooding in Mallam, Weija, Dansoman and surrounding communities.

The operation, being led by the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, is aimed at restoring the basin’s capacity after years of accumulated solid waste, siltation and illegal encroachment.

The exercise involves dredging the basin, removing accumulated waste for disposal at a designated landfill site, demolishing illegal structures within the water reserve and constructing protective embankments to strengthen flood control measures.

The operation is being coordinated by the Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force as part of a broader national effort to restore waterways and drainage channels across Accra following the devastating floods of June 29.

The government has provided the resources and equipment required for the exercise, with similar flood mitigation works also underway at Oyarifa, East Legon and around the Kpeshie Lagoon.

Authorities are urging residents and other members of the public to cooperate with the taskforce and refrain from activities that obstruct waterways or undermine efforts to manage flood risks.

The reclamation of the Lafa basin is expected to improve its capacity to retain excess stormwater and help reduce the impact of flooding on communities downstream.