The diversion of the Ayensu River by a contractor working on the Kasoa-Cape Coast Highway has led to significant destruction, with three buildings collapsing and over 150 houses and farmlands submerged.
The problem began on Wednesday, June 5, when the river’s diversion affected a bridge spanning the Ayensu River. Originating from the Eastern Region, the river flows across the Accra-Cape Coast Highway at Gomoa Okyereko in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region and eventually into the sea.
The diversion caused the main Accra-Cape Coast Highway to cave in, stranding commuters on Thursday morning, June 6.
Robert Hackman, the Gomoa East District Director for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO), described the destruction’s extent to Citi News’ Calvis Tetteh and urged motorists to use alternative routes until the road is restored.
“Currently, three houses have collapsed and almost 150 houses have been submerged, and as it stands now, it hasn’t been easy,” Hackman said. “This morning, we came around 3 am hoping that the water would go down, but part of the bridge has collapsed totally, so we are appealing to motorists coming from Cape Coast to use the Winneba Junction route and appear at Akotsi Junction. Motorists should not use the Potsin-Okyereko stretch.”
The incident has caused significant disruption and poses a challenge for local authorities as they work to address the damage and restore normalcy.
NaDMO and other agencies are monitoring the situation closely and providing assistance to affected residents.
