The Rains are back!! Decades On, Drainage Woes, Unchecked Development Amplify Disaster Risk
As Accra once again grapples with devastating floods, the painful truth emerges: since the deluge of 1968, little has changed in the city’s infrastructure, leaving its drainage systems woefully inadequate to cope with nature’s onslaught. Coupled with rampant unauthorized construction in flood-prone areas, the stage was set for disaster, repeating a tragic narrative that has haunted the city for decades.
In the wake of torrential rains, choked drains failed to carry the deluge away, turning streets into surging torrents and homes into islands in a sea of despair. The scenes of chaos and destruction served as a grim reminder of the unresolved issues that continue to plague Accra, despite years of promises and pledges for improvement.
While emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue stranded residents and provide relief, the root causes of the recurring floods remain glaringly apparent. Unregulated development has seen buildings encroach upon vital waterways, impeding the natural flow of water and exacerbating the risk of inundation with each passing storm.
Despite warnings and calls for restraint, the unchecked expansion of settlements into flood-prone areas persists, driven by a combination of necessity and neglect. The consequences, however, are all too real: lives upended, livelihoods lost, and communities left to pick up the pieces once the waters recede.
As Accra reels from yet another deluge, the urgent need for comprehensive action cannot be overstated. It is not enough to merely react to the immediate crisis; proactive measures must be taken to address the systemic issues that perpetuate the cycle of devastation. Investments in resilient infrastructure, stringent enforcement of building regulations, and community engagement are essential steps towards building a more resilient Accra for future generations.
The time for complacency has long passed. Accra stands at a crossroads, where the choices made today will shape its destiny tomorrow. Will we continue to be held hostage by the forces of nature, or will we rise to the challenge and chart a course towards a safer, more sustainable future? The answer lies in our actions, as we confront the harsh realities of our past and forge a path towards resilience and renewal.
By Edwin Kobina Coleman
