By Isaac Arkoh
Cape Coast, April 30, GNA – Residents of Cape Coast are going through a nightmare follwoing a sudden downpour that has on Tuesday evening that hit the ancient city and left it inundated and waterlogged.
Within hours, some homes and streets including the NIB Road, Melcom, and Kingsway to Tantri had their narrow gutters overflowing and spewing plastic waste onto the streets.
The were chaotic scenes, with drivers navigating treacherous roads.
Pedestrians waded through the floodwaters as they trekked home.
Some taxi drivers took advantage of the situation and increased the fares from Kingsway to Abura by 30 percent and Kingsway to Nkanfoa and Second Ridge GhC20 and GhC30 percent respectively.
However, the Ghana News Agency observed the floodwaters did bring some respite as the usually pungent garbage-filled areas were washed clean, offering a brief glimpse of relief.
The GNA spoke to residents, who expressed frustration over the perennial flooding.
One resident said: “It’s a recurring problem, and we need the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly to take action.
Mrs Ama Mensah, a trader said: The gutters are always clogged, and it’s only a matter of time before the next floods set in.”
Mr Kofi Owusu, a resident of Ayikooayikoo, close to Tantri, the main lorry station attributed the flooding to poor urban planning and inadequate drainage systems.
“We need a comprehensive solution, not just temporary fixes. Bad urban planning is our bane,” he emphasised.
Ms Akua Addo, a student echoed these sentiments, calling for the Assembly to prioritise flood mitigation measures.
“We’re tired of being stranded in our own homes. This must change,” she added.
In a passionate appeal, the residents urged the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly to address the root causes of the flooding and provide lasting solution to the perennial challenge.
GNA
AT/BM