Appiah Kodua
A TOTAL of 1,641 persons have been rendered homeless whilst 150 houses have also been submerged, following torrential rains that lasted over an hour in Koforidua – the Eastern regional capital – over the weekend.
The heavy downpour resulted in massive flooding across several communities such as Oyoko, Zongo Sentimental Area, Musco Area, Asokore Zongo, Highway Area, Abrewa Nkwanta Area, Krutown, Nkukwao/ Mallam Park Area, Central Business Area, Two Streams and Nyamkrom. For fear of getting drowned, some residents abandoned their homes.
Traders at the Central Business District (CBD) were not spared.  The floodwaters virtually submerged the entire market, leaving some items in shops floating.
Regional Director of NADMO, Kwame Appiah Kodua, who briefed DAILY GUIDE after touring the affected communities to get firsthand information, said their findings with regard to the affected communities revealed that the heavily silted waterways, chocked drains and culverts (due to indiscriminate dumping of refuse), poor sanitation practices and buildings on waterways apparently caused the flooding.
He explained that the drains were constructed many years ago and had currently outlived their usefulness.
The regional NADMO boss disclosed that his outfit, with the Regional Coordinating Council, was putting measures in place to find lasting solutions to the perennial flood issues.
FROM Daniel Bampoe, Koforidua