The Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) has launched a comprehensive desilting exercise of drains across the municipality, in an effort to prevent the devastating consequences of yearly flooding on lives and property.
The exercise, which includes the desilting of all drains along principal streets and the business district, aims to prevent the recurrence of flooding that has plagued the area in recent years. Additionally, a 300-meter drain at the Ashaiman main station is being reconstructed to enable it to handle huge flash waters.
Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Albert Boakye Okyere, led a team of journalists on a tour of the ongoing works at various sites, including the Ashaiman roundabout, main station, and other parts of the business district.
During the visit, Mr. Okyere warned traders who had erected stalls, containers, and shops on waterways to remove them immediately, cautioning that failure to do so would result in the assembly removing them and surcharging the owners.
“The period when traders and residents flouted the assembly’s by-laws is a thing of the past. Wrongdoers will be brought to book,” he emphasized.
Mr. Okyere noted that heavy rains are expected during this year’s rainy season, and ASHMA is taking all necessary steps to avoid floods that can affect lives and property.
He also lamented the careless manner in which some residents dump their refuse into open drains during downpours, resulting in blockage and flash floods.
Last year’s wet season saw flooding in areas such as New Town, Jericho, China Mall, and Old Tulaku, which damaged property, although no fatalities were reported.
ASHMA’s proactive measures aim to prevent a repeat of such incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of residents and traders in the municipality.
