Bismark Damanka | Laudina Gloria Mends

Ho Technical University,

Ho, Ghana.

ABSTRACT

In a bid to address various socio-economic challenges, students from Technical Universities in Ghana proposed a range of cutting-edge solutions. From a Biometric Health Identification System to a solar fruit dryer, and from sustainable paper packaging to a portable renewable power generation system, these innovations aim to transform industries and improve lives. In the healthcare sector, the Biometric Health Identification System and the MedEase app seek to enhance patient identification, data management, and supply chain efficiency. Meanwhile, the PECTA Blood Warmer promises to revolutionize blood transfusion safety. In agriculture, the solar fruit dryer and the improved Plastic Film Mulch Laying Implement aim to reduce post-harvest losses and promote sustainable food production. In energy, the IoT and AI Energy Management System and the portable renewable power generation system seek to optimize energy consumption and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources. Finally, in construction, sustainable flood resilient homes and the use of plastic waste as a binding agent for producing roof and wall tiles offer innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

These pioneering projects have the potential to drive positive change in Ghana and beyond.

Sustainable Flood Resilient Homes

Flooding is a significant environmental and socio-economic challenge. It is one of the most common and devastating ecological disasters worldwide (Agbosu et al., 2023; Smith, 2009). It often results in severe economic losses and many human casualties, which impede sustainable development (Zhao, 2022).

Several solutions have been proposed to curb the devastating effect of floods resulting from the necessary spilling from the Akosombo dam because of excess rainfall within the period (October, 2023), linked to climate change such as extending the dam reservoir to retain excess water to prevent flooding downstream and resettlement. Resettlement of disaster-prone communities away from their primary locations however, leads to several economic hardships and social disturbances (Siriwardhana et al., 2021) with most involuntary resettlement resulting in more failures than success (Oliver et al., 2014).

We therefore propose the design and construction of floating homes for waterfront settlement. These homes adapt to changing water levels thus minimizing the environmental impact of flood. These homes are modeled after floating homes, typically found on water courses docked to a bay as Anderson (2014) reported. The concept and design of this building leverage a combination of sustainable materials, modern engineering principles, and renewable energy technologies to provide a robust response to flooding.

The architecture is modelled after Kusliansjah and Suriansyah (2013) and Ishaque et al., (2014). A pre-flood detection system and an alarm were incorporated into the design to assist marginalized individuals, such as the blind and deaf, ensuring they can stay indoors safely when the waters start to rise. Mooring poles were also added to the design to restrain the side movement of the house, preventing lateral movement.

The aqua-resilient home represents a paradigm shift in flood mitigation strategies, combining engineering, innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, projects like ours offer hope for a more resilient and sustainable future.