The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly has announced plans to demolish all structures situated on waterways, storm drains, road reservations, and other unauthorized locations following the devastating floods that swept through parts of the metropolis and claimed four lives.
The decision according to the assembly forms part of a broader strategy to tackle the recurring flooding challenges that have plagued Cape Coast, particularly after torrential rains on June 19 and June 21.
The rainfall led to severe flooding in areas including Ekon, Abura, the University of Cape Coast and its environs, Ameen Sangari, OLA/Nkanfoa, Eyifua, Mpeasem, Adisadel, Nkanfoa, and Asenadze.
The disaster resulted in the collapse of eight houses, most of them mud structures, leading to the deaths of four people, including three children. Five others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Ewim Polyclinic and the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.
Beyond the loss of lives and injuries, the Assembly disclosed that hundreds of residents have been displaced, while many others have been directly affected by the floods, leaving several families counting their losses.
In response to the situation, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, George Justice Arthur, visited the injured at various health facilities and also met with bereaved and affected families to express the Assembly’s condolences and support.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has commenced immediate interventions aimed at preventing further loss of life and property. Officials have begun demolishing already-collapsed structures and are identifying buildings considered dangerous as rainfall continues across the metropolis.
“Looking ahead, the Assembly is committed to addressing the root causes of flooding in the Metropolis. Plans are being developed to design and construct a comprehensive drainage system capable of managing stormwater effectively. In the Interim, all choked gutters will be desilted, as poor drainage remains a major contributor to flooding,” the assembly added in a statement issued on Monday June 22.
To address these concerns, the Assembly has also announced an extensive desilting exercise across major drains and gutters to improve the free flow of water during heavy rains, urging residents and developers to comply with planning regulations and obtain the necessary permits before undertaking any construction projects.
It further warned that persons caught littering or dumping refuse at unauthorised locations would face legal sanctions, stressing that environmental sanitation remains a shared responsibility in efforts to build a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Cape Coast.
