The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has begun a massive desilting initiative along the Aboabo stream, which flows through Anloga Junction and other flood-prone areas in the city.
Following heavy rainfall, the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi and surrounding areas frequently experience severe flooding, causing frustration among residents.
Last Saturday’s rainfall resulted in busy roads in the area overflowing with large volumes of floodwaters.
Residents living near the stream express their anxiety whenever rain is imminent, as their homes are often taken over by floods.
“This is where we stay; anytime there’s rainfall, water covers everywhere. This mattress here belongs to my children, but it became wet due to the flooding,” one frustrated resident lamented.
Over the years, flooding has caused millions of cedis in property damage and resulted in loss of lives in the Aboabo stream area.
To address this ongoing challenge, NADMO is undertaking a significant desilting exercise to clear debris, including plastic waste, sand, and shrubs from the stream.
Mohammed Nashir Ibrahim, the Ashanti Regional Director of NADMO, stated that the initiative is imperative, given the persistent flooding in the city.
He noted that 17 flood hotspots have been identified for desilting, including Pelele, Owabi, Anloga, and Parkoso.
Mr. Ibrahim explained that this desilting effort is a temporary measure, and discussions are ongoing with the Hydrological Services to expand the culverts as a permanent solution to the flooding issue.
“We have discussed with hydrological services, you see how tiny the place is, so they’re proposing to the powers that be for the culverts to be expanded,” he indicated.
He further pointed out that, NADMO took this action because the various local government authorities are yet to be fully constituted, and they did not want to sit aloof while disaster struck, as prevention is part of their mandate.
Mr. Ibrahim also urged against building on waterways to significantly reduce the risk of flooding.
He called on philanthropic individuals and organizations to support NADMO’s efforts with fuel and other resources to aid in the proper dredging of drains throughout the city and beyond.
