The National Safety Campaign (NASACA) has urged the government to consider constructing a suspension road along the Accra-Kasoa corridor to address recurring flooding challenges in the area. Speaking in a telephone interview with Accra-based Ahoto FM, Daniel Asuku, the President of NASACA, emphasized the need for innovative infrastructure to tackle the perennial flooding that disrupts livelihoods in the region.
“The flooding in this enclave has consistently affected almost every aspect of life, from businesses and residents to daily commuters,” Mr. Asuku remarked. “This situation has worsened in recent years compared to the past three decades. We must seize the lessons of the past and take decisive action now.”
NASACA’s Campaign for Change
The call aligns with one of NASACA’s core safety campaigns, aptly titled More Drains, More Trouble. The campaign highlights the inadequacy of conventional drainage solutions in flood-prone areas like Weija and its environs. According to NASACA, constructing more drains will only exacerbate the problem if the root causes of flooding are not addressed.
“No drainage system alone can resolve the scale of flooding we witness here. In fact, poorly planned drainage systems often lead to more destruction,” Mr. Asuku cautioned.
Strategic Planning Over Short-Term Fixes
Mr. Asuku urged the authorities to move beyond the piecemeal solutions of constructing drains and demolishing homes. Instead, he called for strategic, long-term planning that incorporates advanced infrastructure like suspension roads, which can alleviate the challenges posed by waterlogged landscapes.
When asked about who bears responsibility for the current situation, Mr. Asuku pointed fingers at multiple stakeholders: the government, property owners, and developers. He criticized public officials for neglecting their duties, leading to unregulated construction and encroachment on floodplains.
“Overfilled landscapes and poorly designed structures, like opaque walls in waterlogged areas, are prime contributors to the flooding problem,” he stated.
Proven Advocacy
NASACA’s predictions about flood-related disasters have proven accurate over the past decade, particularly under its flagship campaign, Operation Save Weija-Kasoa from Floods. The organization continues to advocate for innovative solutions to protect lives, property, and livelihoods in vulnerable areas.
Mr. Asuku’s passionate plea underscores the urgency of addressing the systemic issues fueling the Accra-Kasoa flooding crisis. “We can no longer afford to wait for disaster to strike before taking action. A suspension road could be the game-changer this region desperately needs,” he concluded.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
