“Contractor Is Setting a Dead Trap for Eyisam” — Chief and Residents Raise Alarm Over Blocked Waterways

The Chief of Eyisam and Twafohen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Elder Dr. Nana Impream VIII, together with residents of Ekumfi Eyisam, have raised serious concerns over what they describe as the improper disposal of construction waste along the ongoing Winneba–Mankessim highway project.

According to the Chief and residents, the contractor working on the road project has allegedly been using waste materials from the construction activities to fill and block existing waterways around the community.

They fear that the situation could worsen flooding in Eyisam, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, putting lives, homes and properties at significant risk.

Speaking on the development, Elder Dr. Nana Impream VIII said the community already experiences flooding whenever there is heavy rainfall, even under normal circumstances.

He warned that the alleged blockage of the waterways could prevent rainwater from flowing freely and potentially redirect floodwaters into the heart of the community.

“The contractor is using his waste materials to fill and block the waterways. This is a serious threat to lives and properties in the community,” Elder Nana Impream VIII lamented.

According to him, the situation has created an urgent environmental and public safety concern that requires immediate intervention from the relevant authorities.

He explained that the community’s vulnerability to flooding makes it particularly important for construction activities to preserve existing drainage channels and waterways rather than obstruct them.

“Anytime it rains heavily, the community gets flooded even without the blockade,” he said.

The traditional leader cautioned that if the alleged obstruction is not addressed, future heavy rainfall could result in more severe flooding and extensive damage to properties.

He further alleged that the construction waste has inadvertently altered the natural direction of floodwaters, potentially forcing water into areas of the community that would otherwise not be as severely affected.

“He has inadvertently redirected the course of the floods into the community proper. I can say on authority that any amount of rainfall could wash the community away,” he warned.

Residents Demand Immediate Intervention

Residents of Eyisam have also expressed concern about the potential consequences of the situation, particularly as the rainy season continues.

They are calling on the contractor and the appropriate government agencies to urgently inspect the affected areas, remove materials obstructing the waterways and restore the free flow of water.

Elder Nana Impream VIII stressed that the matter should not be treated as a minor construction-related issue, insisting that preventive action is necessary before a major flooding incident occurs.

“This situation is unacceptable. We call on the relevant authorities to stop the actions of the contractor and also open up the pile-up of waste materials in the waterways to ensure the free flow of water whenever it rains and avert any disaster,” he said.

The Chief further appealed to authorities responsible for the Winneba–Mankessim highway project to intervene promptly and ensure that construction activities do not expose communities along the project corridor to avoidable environmental and safety risks.

Residents say they are particularly worried that continued obstruction of the waterways could compound the flooding situation and result in preventable loss of property if urgent measures are not taken.

The community is therefore urging the relevant authorities to assess the drainage situation at Eyisam, engage the contractor and ensure that all blocked waterways are cleared to protect residents and properties.