Accra engulfed by flood

Two days of non-stop rains last Monday plunged the capital into major flooding, grinding activities to a halt.

The rains which started on Sunday resulted in massive flooding in many areas, culminating in the death of 12 with hundreds displaced.

In areas like the Odawna area, Alajo, Achimota and many others, flood waters swept through the township, clearing properties and filling homes.

This year’s rainy season had a devastating impact with the intensity and volume of surpassing the previous years.

It exposed serious shortcomings in the country’s drainage infrastructure, planning, sanitation and building standards.

In many parts of the country, roads have been inundated as choked drains overflowed, turning major streets into flood drains.

The situation also worsen traffic congestion, with motorists spending several hours navigating flooded roads and commuters arriving home late after work.

With the Ghana Meteorological Agency forecasting more rainfall in the weeks ahead, there is an urgent need for the government to intensify measures to address the problem.

This should include improving drainage systems, enforcing planning regulations and ensuring strict compliance with building standards.

To improve the situation, buildings constructed on water ways are being demolished to create a clear path for flood waters.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie