Former President Jerry John Rawlings has tasked Government to expedite the reconstruction of the Aboabo drainage system in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
A heavy downpour that hit the Kumasi Metropolis recently, left scores of residents at Aboabo displaced, after over hundred houses were submerged by the floods.
The incident resulted in a death of two persons in the area, including a one and half year old child.
Mr Rawlings’ visit to Aboabo brought all activities in the area to a halt as residents trooped to Pelele, where the drainage site was situated, to catch a glimpse of him.
He inspected the drain and also consoled families who lost their relatives in the
recent flooding that hit the area.
President John Dramani Mahama, who visited the area on Tuesday, announced steps to improve the drainage system in the area.
He said, this was part of Government’s efforts to end the perennial flooding in the area.
He also announced that work would begin soon, to desilt the heap of sand and garbage to allow free flow of water.
Residents in the area blamed the flooding situation on the poor construction of the bridge on the drainage system.
The residents are usually victims of flood whenever there is heavy down pour.
The situation has resulted in a number of deaths and loss of property.
The Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly (AMMA), recently demolished wooden structures along the drain and begun a process to de-silt sand and garbage to allow free flow of water.
Angry residents in the area recently protested the flooding situation and asked city authorities to reconstruct the bridge or face their wrath.
Water Resources, Works and Housing Minister, Dr Kwaku Agyemang Mensah on Friday, inspected the drain with other technical personnel from the ministry as part of measures to begin work to improve the drainage system.
Former President Rawlings however tasked Government to invest in redeveloping the drain to stop the flooding in the area.
“What is important is how to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. If the Government is going to invest in dredging and cleaning up the drain, I think it is important we maintain it that way,” he charged.
He also asked the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly to prosecute persons who dump garbage in the drains.
He donated GH ₵ 1,000 to the relatives of the flood victims.
