Residents of Axim, a major fishing community in the Western Region, may soon breathe easier as Makam Plant Hire (MPH), the contractor working on the breakwater and sea defense project, assures completion within the eighteen-month timeline.
The project, which began in 2024, had been suspended while the community dealt with chronic flooding.
During a site inspection, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson reaffirmed government’s full commitment to completing the project.
The second phase of the project, which aims to protect the property and livelihoods of Axim’s residents, includes a 550-meter breakwater, sea defenses, and a safe base for fishing activities.
Work began in 2024 but was halted due to technical and financial challenges before resuming earlier this year.
Project Engineer of Makam Plant Hire (MPH) Benjamin Ammissah stated that the work is now 45% complete and assured the project will be completed within the eighteen-month timeline.
He added that the project features eleven culverts designed to solve chronic flooding and address the poor drainage system in the area.
“Our core objective here is twofold: to protect the community’s built-up area and to secure its livelihood. As this is a fishing community, our concept is designed not only to safeguard homes but also to create a safe and functional base for fishing activities.
During the project, we recognized the critical need to address the severe flooding from storm drains during heavy rains. Our solution is the construction of approximately eleven culverts of varying capacities.
These will effectively collect upstream runoff and channel it safely to the sea. Currently, we are pleased to report that progress stands at approximately 45 to 50 percent complete.” He said.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson who inspected the site commended the contractor for the progress made and reaffirmed government’s full commitment to ensuring the project’s completion, in order to safeguard both the environment and the community.
“We came here to see the progress of the work and to encourage you to continue the excellent job you have been doing throughout this project. The ultimate goal is for the people of this area to benefit from it, ensuring their livelihoods are protected and their well-being secured.
This is especially important in times like these, when unemployment is a pressing issue. The most sensible thing we can do is to safeguard these livelihoods, so they can continue to sustain the community here. He added.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
