By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, Nov. 07, GNA – A heavy rainstorm on Thursday swept through Ho and its surrounding communities, destroying billboards, trees, electricity poles and bus stop structures, while damaging homes and farms.
The storm also left some roads obstructed by fallen trees and other debris, creating difficulties and potential hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Stephen Adom, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the Assembly had deployed workers to clear affected roads and remove fallen objects to restore safe movement.
He said the incident also highlighted the need for residents and property owners to comply with building regulations, warning against the erection of unauthorised structures without the required approval from the Assembly.
Mr Adom urged residents to obtain the necessary permits before putting up structures, particularly those that could pose risks to public safety during severe weather conditions.
A resident of the Goil Down area of Ho, Madam Esther Kudzika, expressed concern about the quality of materials used in constructing some billboards and bus stop structures, questioning whether they were strong enough to withstand heavy winds.
She said the collapse of such structures could have serious consequences for people seeking shelter during rainfall.
“Suppose someone takes shelter under one of these structures to escape the rain and it collapses. What will happen to that person?” she asked.
Madam Elikplim Afua Klu, the Regional Director of Ghana Federation Disability, has had her vehicle trapped by a falling tree, where it was parked at the time of the storm, which she said was unnecessary cost for her to refix.
The storm has renewed concerns about the safety of public structures, the need for proper construction standards and the importance of enforcing building regulations to protect lives and property, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah