Questions are mounting over the failure to address drainage problems around the newly established China Afri Mall in Koforidua after a brief downpour flooded parts of the commercial facility and surrounding roads on Tuesday night, November 10.
The flooding, which followed approximately 45 minutes of rainfall, disrupted traffic, stranded commuters and exposed concerns about the adequacy of stormwater drainage systems in the area.
Several roads and intersections around the mall in the New Juaben South Municipality were submerged, leaving motorists and pedestrians struggling to move through the affected areas.
The worst-hit locations included the traffic light intersection near the mall, the stretch around Newlands Hospital and the vicinity of Dadis Bar, all known to experience flooding.
According to Citi News sources, hundreds of commuters and passersby were affected, with some road users expressing frustration over what they described as the failure to resolve the recurring drainage problems.
The latest incident has also revived concerns about earlier directives reportedly issued by the Eastern Regional Minister and the Regional Security Council to improve drainage around the facility before it commenced operations.
The authorities had reportedly instructed the traditional authorities and mall management to reconstruct narrow culverts at the intersection to allow stormwater to flow freely and reduce the risk of flooding.
However, the recommended works were allegedly not completed before the mall began operating.
Sources say disagreements over the management of the facility and the proposed reconstruction of the culverts contributed to delays in addressing the problem.
The failure to implement the reported directives has raised questions about compliance and the responsibilities of the stakeholders involved.
Some road users have criticised the traditional authorities, accusing them of disregarding the instructions from regional authorities.
They argue that the absence of the necessary drainage improvements has worsened the flooding situation, leaving commuters and businesses exposed whenever it rains.
The Tuesday night incident has renewed calls for urgent intervention to address the drainage challenges and prevent further disruption to movement and commercial activities in the area.
