By Savannah Pokuaah Duah
Flooding in Kasoa, many say, has been a major and perennial situation.
”Even if it rains for 30 minutes, the streets turn into rivers, causing traffic jams.”
This is a regular saying for residents of Kasoa in the Central Region.
These traffic jams often make people report late for work, and this happens whenever it rains. Water also seeps into the first floors and basements of houses.
On May 14, 2022, heavy rains hit the Ghanaian capital region, including Accra, and the Central region, especially Kasoa.
Last year, and 2023 have been heavy blows to people living in Weija and the surrounding areas of the Kasoa Barrier. The downpour began in the morning and lasted for two hours. The areas in the Central region affected by the flood included Weija, Kasoa-SCC, Kasoa-Block Factory, and Kasoa markets. On July 21, 2023, another downpour led to the same problem.
NADMO Speaks:
According to Joseph Botchway, a Climate Change/Geological Officer at the Accra Metro Secretariat of NADMO, the overpopulation in the Central region, combined with poor drainage systems in most slum areas, has increased the risk of flooding.
He explained, ”improper disposal of waste by individuals is a major factor contributing to the clogging of gutters.”
It is important for people living in slums to be mindful of their waste disposal habits. Moreover, they should avoid buying or renting properties in close proximity to rivers or flood-prone areas.