NADMO desilt 17 major drains in Greater Kumasi metropolis to avert flooding

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Ashanti region is working to prevent flooding. They are starting a de-silting exercise in 17 drains in Greater Kumasi. This follows recent heavy rains that flooded homes and shops.

Many drainage systems in the area are clogged with sand and debris. This poses a serious risk of flooding for nearby communities. The Pelele stream near Kumasi Airport is particularly affected.

NADMO's Ashanti regional office will conduct a 12-day de-silting exercise. The drains being cleared include those in Airport, Buokrom South Africa, and Mossie Zongo/Yenyawoso. Other areas include Duase-Kenyase, Aboabo Pelele, and Asabe-Buobai.

Additional locations are Parkoso Estates, Sawaba/Affordable Housing, Anloga Junction, and Oforikrom. The list also includes Kaase, Atonsu market-High School (Wewe river), Ahinsan Ambassadorial Area (Wewe river), Suame Kotoko, Breman UGC, Kronom Abuahia/Owabi, and Attafua Bridge on Barekese Road.

Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Ibrahim, NADMO's regional director, stated their goal is to prevent water overflow onto roads. They aim to clear debris so water can flow freely in the drains. He emphasized that this task is part of their disaster prevention role.

Residents have long requested wider culverts under bridges over these drains. NADMO supports calls for elevating bridges and building concrete slabs along the drains' edges. Ibrahim noted that constructing a concrete floor would help manage rainwater effectively.

As private individuals continue to build on waterways, NADMO plans to address illegal structures soon. They will launch an initiative targeting buildings erected in wetlands.