Torrential rains cut off Nandom, Wa
Three days of torrential rainfall in the Upper West Region has cut off Nandom from the regional capital, Wa.
The Kambaa River has overflown its banks as a result, making it risky to travel from Nandom to Lawra.
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Likewise, trucks loaded with goods heading to neighbouring landlocked countries have been compelled to park and wait for the water to subside before they can continue their journey.
Patrick Zaato, a teacher resident in Lawra, told the media that he was on his way to a funeral in Nandom but had to abandon the idea due to the flood as his motorbike could not pass through the raging water.
Ibrahim Mahama, a cargo driver, also said he needed to send some goods to his customers in Nandom but had been left stranded.
He said his customers, who were expecting their goods, had been on his neck, “but as it stands now, there is nothing I can do.”
He said the alternative road through Ko was in a worse condition.
Temporary measures
The Municipal Chief Executive of Lawra, Jacob Dery, during a tour of the road, said until the water receded, there was very little the assembly could do.
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Jacob Dery (left), the MCE for Lawra, and Stephen Yakubu (middle), the Upper West Regional Minister, leading the REGSEC to the flooded area
He said if the rains continued, the assembly would have to provide canoes to help residents cross to the other side, “but for those carrying goods, they would have to wait.”
He said what happened was purely a natural occurrence and was hopeful the water would recede soon to open the road for the communities.
Currently, he said the road had been closed to motorists. Alternatively, he said commuters would have to pass through Lambussie to Hamile to access Nandom.
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REGSEC
The Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, who led the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to the scene, said he was informed about the situation earlier in the morning of Tuesday, October 8, 2024, by the regional police commander and, therefore, decided to proceed to assess the situation.
He said the REGSEC would assess the situation after the water has receded to know what solutions to proffer.