The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has begun desilting drains along Asafoatse Nettey Road in the Ashiedu Keteke Sub-Metropolitan District. 

The two-day exercise from Tuesday, January 28 to Wednesday, January 29, 2025, is expected to rid the drains of filth to promote good sanitation while reducing the risk of cholera contraction in the area.

Speaking on the sidelines, the District Cleansing Officer( DCO) for AMA at the Ashiedu Keteke Sub Metro, Francis Okuapeh who supervised the exercise explained that the drains had been cleared just last month, but were already choked again. 

He attributed the issue to residents' improper waste disposal, adding that the community abused the drains by dumping household and faecal waste into them. 

He also noted that the poor construction of the drains had contributed to the problem. “The gradient of the drains is not good, so wastewater does not flow properly, leading to stagnant water and silt buildup,” he added.

To address the issue, Mr Okuapeh suggested bringing in the Fire Service to flush the drains and help improve the flow of wastewater. 

He also called on the Public Health Department of the Assembly to educate residents about proper waste disposal, particularly targeting “chop bar” operators who frequently pour waste into the drains.

“The stagnant water often spills onto the streets, creating a bad smell and making the area unsanitary,” he stated.

According to him, the disilting exercise would continue until all the silt is removed and assured that all waste materials would be collected after the work is completed.

He also urged residents to adopt better waste disposal habits to prevent the drains from becoming choked again.