“Empowering Communities with Technology: GARID Project Takes Flight”

In a milestone event, the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, led by Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, distributed 19 multi-purpose drones to 17 beneficiary assemblies under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of the assemblies to monitor and address urban challenges in real-time, improving disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

The GARID Project has been working tirelessly to combat flooding and solid waste management challenges in the Greater Accra Region. With the distribution of these drones, the assemblies will be able to effectively oversee and address urban challenges, protecting communities from the devastating impacts of flooding and managing solid waste effectively.

Prior to the distribution, 37 officials from the beneficiary assemblies received comprehensive training in collaboration with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). This ensures that the officials are well-equipped to utilize the drones efficiently and effectively.

The distribution of the drones is part of the holistic strategy the Ministry is implementing under the GARID Project. The project aims to build a resilient and sustainable urban environment, empowering assemblies with the tools and resources they need to tackle flooding, solid waste management, and infrastructure challenges in a more comprehensive and cohesive manner.

The Ministry has also been providing financial support to the assemblies to improve their flood risk and solid waste management initiatives. Since 2022, annual grants totaling $1.95 million have been disbursed to 17 MMAs under the GARID Project to support the operations and maintenance of secondary and tertiary drains in flood hotspots.

As the drones take to the skies, the communities in the Greater Accra Region can look forward to a safer, more sustainable future. The GARID Project’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable urban environment is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow.