Engineers push for reforms to prevent infrastructure failures in MMDAs  

Local government service engineers have called for urgent reforms in logistics, permitting, and licensing to strengthen infrastructure delivery and public safety across the country’s Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).  

At the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Local Government Service Engineers Association (LoGSEA), held at Ascension Hall in Koforidua, engineering leaders called for systemic reforms to enhance infrastructure delivery and prevent building failures in MMDAs.  

Mr. Ben Debrah, and engineer and National President of LoGSEA, opened the conference with a passionate appeal for logistical support and institutional recognition.   

“Engineering departments are the technical hub of the Assemblies, yet we lack the basic tools to work with,” he said.  

He added: “External consultants are paid to supervise projects, but our own engineers are left without pickups or training.”  

Mr. Debrah called on the Ministry of Local Government and the Office of the Head of Local Government Service to provide vehicles and training, especially for Assemblies that missed out on earlier distributions under the District Road Improvement Programme.   

“Investing in engineering departments will improve productivity, innovation, and overall performance,” he said  

The call for reforms aligns with the government’s infrastructure and decentralization policies, which prioritize sustainable development and local governance empowerment.   

These priorities are reflected in initiatives such as the Urban Roads Improvement Project and the expansion of the District Development Facility.  

Mr. Isaac Bedu, Registrar of the Engineering Council, highlighted the urgency of reform in light of recent infrastructure failures, including the collapse of a church roof in Teshie.   

“You are the frontline guardians of public safety,” Mr. Bedu told the engineers. “Every permit you issue and every inspection you complete has far-reaching consequences.”  

He urged strict adherence to the Engineering Council Act 2011 (Act 819), Engineering Council Regulations 2020 (LI 2410), and the Building Regulations 2022 (LI 2465).   

“Licensing is not just a formality, it’s a commitment to competence and accountability,” he said, and added: “Your association must ensure that all members are properly licensed and demand the same from stakeholders.”  

Both speakers stressed the need for a robust and streamlined permitting system.  

The AGM also showcased the LoGSEA’s growing international collaborations.   

Mr. Debrah announced the association’s invitation to the Global Conference for Sustainable Built Environment in South Africa, along with partnerships involving the Africa Continental Engineering & Construction Network, Reaco International, and the Institute of Project Management Professionals (IPMP-Ghana).  

The conference ended with a renewed commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and knowledge sharing.  

Source: GNA  

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