By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
A torrential downpour wreaked havoc at the Airport Roundabout in Kumasi, stranding thousands of commuters and exposing the city’s persistent battle with inadequate infrastructure. The heavy rain, lasting approximately 30 minutes, overwhelmed local rivers, causing them to overflow and inundate the area on Tuesday morning.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos as vehicles became trapped in the floodwaters, with many families left to navigate the tumultuous conditions amid gridlocked traffic. “Hundreds of cars and commuters, unable to cross the swollen Pelele River, are parked along the road, awaiting the waters to recede,” shared our correspondent, who provided live updates from the scene.
As the floodwaters surged, frustrations among the populace ignited. Locals expressed their anger over years of recurring flooding, attributing the problem to ineffective drainage systems and poor waste management practices. “We’ve been experiencing this flooding for years. It’s time for the authorities to find a lasting solution,” lamented one concerned resident. Another added, “The small drains can’t handle the rainwater. We need better infrastructure to prevent these floods.”
Despite past pledges to resolve the flooding crisis, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has faced mounting criticism for its failure to implement effective measures. Many residents are now questioning the role of local authorities and flood management experts, demanding accountability for their perceived negligence in addressing this ongoing menace.
As images of stranded commuters and submerged vehicles circulate on social media, calls for urgent action are amplifying. Anguished citizens are urging city officials to prioritize infrastructural improvements and enhance waste management practices to mitigate future disasters.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly is now under increasing pressure to respond to the mounting grievances and to devise comprehensive strategies that can offer long-term relief from the destructive flooding that has paralyzed their daily lives. Residents await a decisive plan of action that demonstrates not only awareness but also a commitment to addressing what has become a ritual recurrence of flooding and loss of property and life in their beloved city.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
