Ashanti NADMO begins desilting drains to tackle flooding in Kumasi

With the onset of the rainy season, Kumasi and parts of Accra are already experiencing the devastating effects of flooding.

Blocked drains, heavy silt buildup, and illegal structures on waterways have significantly worsened the situation, leaving homes and streets inundated.

What was once a free-flowing drainage system is now clogged, triggering floods whenever there is heavy rainfall.

On Saturday, May 17, the Aboabo storm drain, and several others overflowed, sending water gushing into nearby homes.

Residents attribute the perennial flooding to years of neglect and poor drainage maintenance.

“The main issue we face is silted drains. If the authorities take action to desilt and clear the sediment around the drainage system, it will significantly reduce flooding in the area,” said Aisha Usman, a resident of the Airport Roundabout area.

Many of Kumasi’s drainage systems, originally constructed to depths exceeding eight feet, have been reduced to less than four feet due to heavy sand deposits—severely restricting water flow.

In response, the Ashanti Regional office of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has launched emergency operations to mitigate the flooding crisis.

To address the situation, NADMO is undertaking an aggressive desilting campaign targeting 17 major drains across Kumasi.

“We are going to dredge and remove all the filth and sand so that the water can flow freely. Some of the culverts are too narrow and, with additional silt, the space available for water passage has reduced drastically. That’s what is causing the flooding,” explained Ashanti Regional NADMO Director, Mohammed Nasir Ibrahim.

But the intervention goes beyond temporary fixes. NADMO is advocating for long-term infrastructural solutions.

“We have submitted a proposal to the Hydrological Service and relevant authorities, recommending the expansion of existing culverts and the implementation of concrete lining. Additionally, we propose the use of concrete reinforcement along a 200-meter stretch of the drainage banks to enhance durability and flood resilience,” he added.

The drains targeted in this campaign include Aboabo Palele, Airport Roundabout, Anloga Junction, Sawaba, Asabe, Parkoso Estate, Buokrom South Africa, Moshie Zongo, Kronum Abuohia, Breman UGC, Attafua, Suame Kotoko, Duase-Kenyase, Oforikrom Family Chapel, Kaase, Ahinsan Ambassadorial, and the Atonsu Market area.

Mr. Ibrahim also appealed for support from the private sector:
“We call on organizations and well-to-do individuals to support us in executing this exercise successfully, to reduce the impact of flooding in the region.”

In addition, NADMO has issued a stern warning against illegal construction on waterways, pledging strict enforcement measures.

For now, residents can only hope that these interventions provide relief before the next downpour strikes.

The post Ashanti NADMO begins desilting drains to tackle flooding in Kumasi first appeared on 3News.

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