In order to stem perennial flooding in parts of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis during the rainy season, many storm drains and other drains in flood-prone areas have been dredged and desilted.

The dredging and desilting works were mainly carried out from West Tanokrom through Takoradi Airport to Kokompe, Bakado storm drain, drain from Axim Road through to Animens Hotel area, as well as the drain from Essaman and Nkotompo into the sea.

This came to light when the Ghana News Agency visited the sites to confirm an assertion made by the Metro Chief Executive (MCE) of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Anthony K.K. Sam during the Assembly’s last meeting in April.

It was noted that the major drains that run within the Central Business District (CBD) have been designed such that the base of the drains could be seen.

All the garbage and sand collected from the drains were also cleared so as not to return into the drains. However, it was also revealed that most smaller drains around the same area and other places within the Metropolis were still choked with filth.

It would be recalled that the heavy rains witnessed last month within the Metropolis destroyed properties and also claimed the lives of five children in Ngyeresia, a fishing community in the metropolis.

The home, accommodating six children could no longer stand the torrential rains and caved-in on the children killing five of them instantly and leaving one in a critical condition.

The five children were confirmed dead on arrival at the Essikado Government Hospital. The situation was not different as people’s houses were partially submerged by the rainwater while most bridges and culverts in the communities were submerged.

The Sekondi Police Station, St. Andrews Anglican Church, Shell filling station around Nabgas, Western Regional Coordinating offices, Central Business District and Essikafo-Ambantem No. 2, a flood-prone area in the STMA were all flooded- affecting vehicular and human movement.

The Power Distribution Service (PDS) sub-station in Sekondi, which supplies power to most parts of Takoradi was not left out as it got flooded, forcing the company to switch off its equipment to protect the facility.