Residents of Baba Junction Down in the New Legon–Adenta area have renewed calls on government and local authorities to urgently reconstruct a deteriorating culvert that continues to expose the community to severe flooding risks.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, December 17, the Acting Secretary of the Baba Junction Down Landlords and Landladies Association, Eugene Quashie Yeboah, said the situation has become dangerous, particularly for school children and residents who rely on the only access road linking the area.
“We have humbly invited you here to see and hear our plight so that you empathize with us and report on the reality for those to come to our aid,” Mr. Yeboah told journalists.
He explained that the culvert, constructed about 15 years ago through community efforts, can no longer contain the volume of water flowing through the stream during rainfall. As a result, even light rains cause the stream to overflow, flooding homes and cutting off movement.
“With minimal rainfall the volume of water flowing down the stream overflows the culvert and spreads over a large portion of the road, blocking the way entirely,” he said.
Mr. Yeboah noted that the problem poses a serious threat to pupils of the New Legon Basic School, which serves children between the ages of four and 15. According to him, children are often forced to rush across the stream at the first sign of rain to avoid being trapped.
“The school children, more often than not, have to pack their bags, take their younger siblings and run to cross the stream immediately rain clouds are formed,” he added.
He further revealed that flooding, which was previously rare, has now become frequent, with the May 18 rains this year causing “unbearable havoc” to homes, school facilities and personal property.
Mr. Yeboah said the association has in the past taken several self-help initiatives, including constructing the culvert, desilting the stream on two occasions, and providing potable water to the community before the Ghana Water Company extended services.
He appealed for immediate reconstruction of the culvert and regular dredging of the stream, especially ahead of the rainy season, warning that failure to act could endanger lives and disrupt schooling in the area.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
