Old Tafo MCE pledges action as residents raise alarm over faulty drainage systems

In parts of Old Tafo within the Ashanti Region, residents are demanding urgent repairs to faulty drainage systems, warning that stagnant water poses health risks and could exacerbate flooding in the municipality. This call for action arose during a sanitation exercise in the area, where residents and local officials worked together to clear drains and clean public spaces.

Municipal Chief Executive for Old Tafo, Abubakar Sadiq, acknowledged the exercise highlighted significant issues with some of the drainage systems in the municipality. "Some of the gutters do not have the right slope, so water cannot flow freely," he remarked. Sadiq assured the residents that the Assembly would collaborate with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue.

However, some residents expressed that the situation required immediate intervention. Abu Safian Iddris, a resident, highlighted the drainage system as a major concern in the community. "Our major problem is the drainage system. The gutters have not been properly sloped, and water is becoming stagnant," he stated. Iddris also mentioned that some residents had laid water pipes through the gutters, further obstructing the flow of water.

"Some of these pipes are blocking the drains, and the water cannot pass through," he added. Sharawi Yahuza, another resident, warned of the potential for increased flooding if the drains were not properly functioning. "If the gutters are not properly sloped, the water cannot flow. That can cause flooding," he emphasized. He urged local authorities and community leaders to ensure the affected drains were properly reconstructed.

The sanitation exercise was part of a national initiative, with the first Saturday of each month designated for community clean-up activities. Sadiq stated that the Old Tafo Municipal Assembly would continue to support sanitation efforts but emphasized that residents also bore the responsibility of keeping their communities clean.

He warned that residents who failed to participate in future sanitation exercises could face action under Assembly regulations. "We want everyone to participate because keeping the community clean is a shared responsibility," he concluded.