The Sekondi–Takoradi Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has begun a massive desilting and disinfection exercise on fifteen storm drains across the metropolis.
These storm drains, located within the three sub-metros of Sekondi, Takoradi, and Essikadu, have become heavily choked with tonnes of plastic waste and other debris, affecting their ability to channel water effectively.
Unfortunately, the fifteen identified drains were strategically designed to carry the bulk of runoff water in the metropolis. Their current condition therefore means that even moderate rainfall can easily result in flooding.
The exercise has become more urgent following days of heavy rainfall that flooded streets, markets, and homes.
The rains in Sekondi–Takoradi caused severe flooding around the Takoradi Market Circle and adjoining areas, as well as from the Sekondi Youth Centre through the frontage of the Sekondi Divisional Command of the Ghana Police Service to Kundum Square (Komfoase), disrupting both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
“…we had planned to undertake this exercise for a while now. However, the 15 drains we have identified have become critical because of their importance in preventing the recurring incidence of flooding. We have four each in Sekondi and Takoradi, while the remaining seven are in Essikadu,” Sekondi–Takoradi Metro NADMO Director, Alhaji Abubakar Kamal, told ConnectNews.
“In Sekondi, we have identified the Boundary Road through the Police Station Traffic Light to Bungalow Ase drain; the Nketsiakrom through Essaman to Ngyinamoa Bakamu Bridge drain; the GNFS through Bisa Abrewa to Ngyinamoa Bakamu drain; and the Essei Lagoon through Soji Krom to Sekondi Kokompe drain.”
In Takoradi, Alhaji Kamal mentioned the Kokompe to Adakope drain; the Market Circle through Mankessim White House to Kokompe drain; the SDA Clinic through Airforce Gate to Adakope drain; and the Bompeh to Crusaders School drain.
“For Essikadu, we are working on the culvert in front of the Essipong CHPS Compound; the Madanfo Hospital to Las Palmas drain; the Kansaworodo Bridge to Ntankoful Latter-day Saints Church drain; the Agric New Site through Ahinkofikrom to Ahantaman SHS Junction drain; the B.U to Bakado drain; the Nkroful Blossom Lodge culvert through Phastor Limited to Kansaworodo Basic School drain; and the Diabene Welding Shop through Genesis Basic School to the Kansaworodo Assemblies of God drain.”
He explained that due to the nature of some of the drains, both manual and mechanised methods would be used to desilt and disinfect all fifteen drains.
“…with the help of the assembly, we have been able to work out a foolproof strategy to ensure that flooding is reduced. We have assembled the necessary human resources as well as the machinery needed for the exercise.”
When asked about measures to ensure that the cleared drains remain clean, he stated that there was unanimous agreement to enforce spot fines to deter people from dumping waste into drains.
“It is worrying that residents and even some businesses find it convenient to use drains as dumping sites. Our bylaws on indiscriminate littering are explicit. What we will be intensifying is the effort by our officers to carry out arrests and impose spot fines.”
Already, Alhaji Abubakar Kamal and his team have mobilised to some of the affected drains to begin work.
By Eric Yaw Adjei
