Mayor refutes claims parts of Accra flooded due to road work on Graphic Road

The Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Alfred Oko Vandapuye has refuted suggestions that, places like Adabraka, Odawna, Neoplan and the Graphic Road got flooded during last Wednesday’s heavy downpour because part of the Graphic Road Odaw drain has been blocked by the contractor working on the road.

According to Mr. Oko Vandapuye, after the rains, he visited the Graphic Road himself and noticed that the water was flowing perfectly, just that, the Odaw drain overflowed its banks thereby creating a lot of havoc. He says early this year, he went to advise the Contractor working on the Graphic Road to clear a heaped sand in the drain which he adhered to. He therefore says, the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) contractor could not be blamed for the flooding.

Speaking on Asempa on Tuesday, the Mayor who was attending an emergency meeting with the Interior Minister and assembly members to discuss ways of solving the perennial flooding in Accra, gave the assurance that, the Odaw drain will be disilted within the next few days in order to prevent further flooding.

He stated that arrangement is being made to source for some funds to embark on a long term solution, which is the construction of storm drains in some identified areas.

Meanwhile Mr. Oko Vandapuye is advising members of the public, to stick to hygienic practices as six confirmed cases of cholera have been recorded in Accra after the flooding. He says people should check the vegetables they buy from the market as well as places they eat from, since some vegetables were contaminated due to the deluge.

Mr. Vandapuye urged that, people who live in flood-prone areas should be prepared to leave these places whenever there is a warning or sign of rains since no one will be able to predict the consequences.