Unauthorised construction activities across the Tema Metropolis are threatening efforts to restore the city’s deteriorating sewer network, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Madam Ebi Bright, has warned.
She said the encroachment of buildings and other structures on sewer corridors had made it difficult for the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) to access, maintain and replace damaged infrastructure.
Madam Bright raised the concern when she inspected a section of the sewer network at the Meridian Enclave, where development activities had obstructed parts of the system.
The obstruction had resulted in some sewer pipes being damaged, causing liquid waste to overflow and accumulate in a pool.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed exposed sections of sewer pipes and stagnant wastewater at the site, with greenish growth visible in the pooled liquid. Excavation works had also exposed portions of the underground infrastructure.
The affected location is close to key institutions, including the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), land courts and banks.
“The sewer network and its health are the worst challenges that we have in Tema,” Madam Bright said.
She explained that unlike roads and drainage systems, which were generally visible and easier to access for repairs, sewer infrastructure was buried underground and had in some cases been covered by buildings and other developments.
According to her, the situation had resulted in frequent blockages and sewage overflows into homes and public spaces, creating growing sanitation risks for residents.
She said the Assembly had commenced the replacement of damaged sewer pipes in several communities as part of efforts to rehabilitate the network.
However, Madam Bright cautioned that the investment in rehabilitation would have little impact if developers continued to interfere with sewer lines.
“If it keeps being interrupted at different points, it’s honestly an effort in futility,” she said.
The MCE therefore urged residents and developers to consult the TMA before commencing construction to ensure that existing sewer lines and other public infrastructure were identified and protected.
She expressed particular concern about developments undertaken without the necessary permits, saying such activities prevented the Assembly from guiding developers and stopping construction that could damage critical infrastructure.
Madam Bright said the scale of the problem had exceeded the Assembly’s current capacity and appealed for broader public and government support to address the crisis.
She described the situation as an “SOS” requiring urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration of the sewer network.
The MCE said replacing damaged sewer pipes remained one of the Assembly’s priorities since she assumed office but stressed that sustained compliance with planning regulations was essential to protect the infrastructure.
She also called for stronger coordination among state agencies to ensure that development activities in Tema complied with approved planning and infrastructure requirements.
