During a municipal sanitation exercise on Saturday, residents of Old Tafo in the Ashanti Region called for immediate repairs to the area’s poorly constructed and obstructed drains, warning that stagnant water could pose health risks and worsen flooding.
Municipal Chief Executive Abubakar Sadiq noted that the exercise exposed significant problems with the drainage system, including gutters that lack the correct slope, preventing water from flowing freely. He assured residents that the Assembly would collaborate with relevant authorities to address the issue.
Residents such as Abu Safian Iddris voiced their concerns, pointing out that some gutters had been filled with water pipes, further blocking flow. “Some of these pipes are blocking the drains, and the water cannot pass through,” he said. Another resident, Sharawi Yahuza, warned that the improper slope could lead to flooding and urged local leaders to reconstruct the affected drains.
The cleanup was part of a national initiative that designates the first Saturday of every month for community clean‑up activities. Mr Sadiq emphasized that while the Assembly would support sanitation efforts, residents also bear responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and warned that non‑participation could lead to action under Assembly regulations.
As the municipality moves forward, residents will monitor the progress of the drainage repairs and the effectiveness of the upcoming sanitation exercises to ensure a safer, cleaner community.
