Can Accra weather the storm?

The major perennial flooding that occurs in the capital city of Accra can be attributed to a lot of reasons. One major factor is the lack of dredging of the major drains which have been choked with silt, weeds and sand that have accumulated over the past years, while the authorities look on unconcerned.

Barely two weeks ago, the Meteorology Department predicted that heavy rainstorm would engulf the country this year and they have requested residents who have constructed their buildings on waterways or live in areas liable to flood, to take precautionary measures to prevent any catastrophe.
According to the Meteo Department, this year's floods would be severe and devastating as the rains would be accompanied by strong winds due to changes in climate.

When The Chronicle photographer visited some flood prone areas like Community 18 near Sakumono and the Odaw River in Circle, to see at first hand what practical measures have been taken to desilt the choked drains. But nothing seem to have been done.

In an interview with Mr. Eric Acolatse, a resident at Community 18 roundabout area, he narrated that during the rainy season, the bridge that connects the roundabout to communities 18, 19 and 20 got flooded due to weeds and sand that had piled under the bridge, and thus blocking the free flow of running water.

According to him, the prediction by the meteo department should be taken seriously. The dredging of streams, rivers and drains in Accra, including that of Community 18 should start immediately.
He indicated that because the area is built on watercourse and building are not properly demarcated, the roads that link the area becomes flooded anytime it rains bringing vehicular movement to a halt because Drivers are forced to park their vehicles.

As the rains have now started, The Chronicle would like to advice people to desist from throwing rubbish into drains, rivers and streams.