By,
F.K Bondinuba
Department of Building Technology
Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi Ghana
In recent years, mining communities in Ghana have experienced devastating floods that have caused the loss of lives and property. There is a growing need for flood-resilient strategies to help mitigate the impact of floods in these communities. Research has shown that mining activities exacerbate the impact of floods in mining communities due to land excavation and the construction of mines. However, existing flood resilience strategies in mining communities in Ghana are often inadequate. Many of these communities lack proper drainage systems, which results in flooding during heavy rainfall.
Additionally, the construction of mining facilities and infrastructure often disrupts natural waterways, exacerbating the risk of flooding. This article explores flood-resilient strategies in mining communities in Ghana. Flood-resilient strategies are measures put in place to mitigate the impacts of floods on communities. These strategies include structural and non-structural measures, such as the construction of physical structures such as dams, levees, flood walls, early warning systems, emergency planning, and public education. Mining communities in Ghana are characterised by their vulnerability to flooding, and mining activities can alter the natural drainage patterns of the area, leading to increased flood risk.
It is important to develop flood-resilient strategies that can help mitigate the impact of flooding in these communities. Ghana has experienced several historical flooding events, some of which have caused significant damage to mining communities. These events highlight the urgent need for flood-resilient strategies in mining communities in Ghana to mitigate the adverse effects of flooding on people’s lives and livelihoods. Mining communities in Ghana face numerous challenges in developing flood-resilient strategies. To ensure that drainage systems function effectively, mining communities must develop a maintenance schedule and ensure that the drainage systems are designed to cater to the community’s specific needs.
The raising of building foundations is another essential flood-resilient strategy in mining communities. The relocation of communities from flood-prone areas is another strategy used in Ghanaian mining communities. Establishing early warning systems is also essential for flood resilience in mining communities. These strategies include investments in infrastructure, improved land use planning, and community education and engagement. They are critical for ensuring the safety and well-being of mining community residents and protecting the environment from the negative effects of floods.
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