Residents of Totopey in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region have appealed for urgent intervention as floodwaters continue to occupy parts of their homes nearly seven weeks after the June 29 floods.
Some affected residents told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that they had been unable to return to their homes since the flooding, with stagnant water still occupying parts of their houses and surrounding areas.
They said the prolonged flooding had disrupted their livelihoods and daily activities, forcing some families to seek alternative accommodation while others continued to endure difficult living conditions.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has provided a temporary tent to accommodate some of the affected residents.
The residents, however, said although they appreciated the temporary shelter, it had not addressed the underlying problem, as floodwaters remained in and around some homes.
They appealed to the Ada East District Assembly, NADMO, the Assembly Member, the Member of Parliament for the area and other relevant authorities to urgently drain the floodwaters and restore the affected homes to habitable conditions.
They also called for clarity on measures being taken to address the prolonged flooding and prevent a recurrence.
The residents expressed concern that the continued presence of stagnant water could create sanitation challenges and increase the risk of water-related diseases, particularly among children and other vulnerable residents.
They therefore appealed for additional relief support while urging the authorities to pursue a sustainable solution to the drainage challenge.
Mr Prosper Tetteh Puplampu, Assembly Member for the area, told the GNA in an interview that an attempt to create a canal to channel the floodwaters towards the sea had been met with opposition from some community members.
Mr Puplampu said some residents had opposed the proposed intervention because they believed the water, which was connected to the Songor Lagoon, could provide an opportunity for fishing.
“They said we should not do it because they claim they want to fish in the water since it connects to the Songor Lagoon,” he said.
According to him, the situation had been further complicated by the condition of the Songor Lagoon, which he said was heavily choked.
He said the District Assembly was exploring collaboration with Electrochem Ghana Limited to create a drainage system and desilt portions of the lagoon to improve the flow of water.
He, however, said the reported opposition to the proposed drainage intervention had made it difficult for the Assembly to proceed with the plan.
Mr Puplampu said the Assembly was consequently left with limited options while flood waters remained in parts of the community.
Source: GNA
