A once-functional drainage channel—originally constructed to manage stormwater and protect communities from flooding—now lies in ruins, stretching through multiple neighborhoods such as Madina Nsamanpom, Thirdgate, ST. Peters and Botwe.
Years of abandonment have transformed this vital piece of infrastructure into a crumbling conduit of waste and disease.
What was meant to channel rainwater efficiently has instead become a dumping ground for household garbage, plastics, and other forms of waste.
A stagnant, debris-filled trench that not only undermines the environment but also poses a serious health threat to residents.
Locals report that the drainage system has been neglected for years.
Crumbling edges and stagnant water have turned the structure into a breeding ground for mosquitoes and vermin, raising fears of outbreaks of malaria, cholera, and other sanitation-related diseases.
“The smell is unbearable, especially after it rains,” said one resident, who spoke off-camera to Nyansaponews. “It’s not just an eyesore—it’s a health hazard. We live with the constant fear of disease and flooding.”
Indeed, during heavy rains, the clogged drain fails to carry away the water effectively.
Overflowing gutters have caused minor floods in low-lying homes and roads, leaving behind mud, damaged property, and a sense of frustration among residents.
Many lament the apparent inaction by local authorities.
Community members are now directing urgent appeals to Mr. Ibrahim Fuseini Faila, the Municipal Chief Executive Officer of the LaNkwantanang Municipal Assembly, and Mr. Francis Xavier Sosu, Member of Parliament for the Madina Constituency.
They are calling for immediate intervention to clean, repair, and restore the drainage system before the next downpour turns inconvenience into catastrophe.
Environmental experts warn that if the issue remains unresolved, toxins from the accumulating waste could seep into groundwater sources, affecting not only human health but also local flora and fauna.
The once-ignored drainage channel is now a stark symbol of a larger issue—one where lack of maintenance, inadequate waste management, and civic neglect intersect, putting entire communities at risk.
As the rainy season approaches, the time for action is now.
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