Construction works on a major underground storm drain from Hansonic Junction to Kaneshie First Light are progressing steadily, with contractors currently undertaking excavation works ahead of the drainage structure.
The project, which covers about 1.2 kilometres along the Dr Busia Highway, is being undertaken by two contractors and involves works on the outer lane of the road.
A visit to the stretch between Darkuman Junction and Dansoman Junction last Monday showed workers excavating to the required depth for the construction of the storm drain.
Also, at the remaining stretch from Dansoman Junction to First Light, similar excavation works were being undertaken but were being done in successive 30-metre sections to minimise the risks associated with excavating a long stretch of the road at once and the possibility of rainfall affecting the excavated areas.
Already, about 60 metres have been excavated, with the first section being stabilised with boulders before concrete works begin.
The storm drain is being undertaken by the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Department of Urban Roads, and has the Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly supervising the works.
Short-term inconvenience
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ablekuma North, Kalamu Musah Adamu, said the new drainage infrastructure had become necessary because the existing drain was old and too small to accommodate the volume of stormwater generated in the area.
He said the new drain would be larger and designed to make maintenance and desilting easier.
Mr Adamu, however, acknowledged that the ongoing excavation works had created short-term inconvenience for motorists and pedestrians and said the assembly had engaged the Odorkor and Kaneshie Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to assist with traffic management.
He also added that the stretch around the Dansoman intersection was expected to be fixed within two months to help ease the flow of traffic.
The MCE, however, appealed to pedestrians and motorists to exercise caution while using the area because of the ongoing construction.
He said the assembly would continue working with the contractors, the GWCL and traffic authorities to ensure that the project progressed smoothly.
Road users
Commuters, drivers and business owners in the area have commended the government for addressing the decade-long challenges of flooding and poor road conditions, expressing the hope that the project would not stall but would be completed on schedule.
A shop attendant at Hansonic, Emmanuel Okine, said the persistent flooding was negatively affecting businesses in the area since some customers were reluctant to wade through floodwaters to access their shops.
A worker in the area, Karimi Iddrisu, welcomed the government’s intervention but urged authorities to prioritise quality and ensure that the new drains were strong enough to withstand the volume of water in the area and also last for many years.
