Based on the suggestions for an urban flood zone by Mr. Wise Valence, flood expert from the Hydrological Department, we visited the locality of Santa Maria on the western outskirts of Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA). We landed up there like a bunch of travelers roaming around to find the lowest point of the mildly undulated landscape that seems to be completely covered with buildings. This is the new developing area of Accra which is spreading laterally on every piece of land available. It’s mostly residential settlements with a lot of small scale and cottage industries mainly focusing on building related activities like steel kiosk production, cell-Crete and paving tiles manufacture combined with a lot of service activities. We went along the main roads then branching onto side alleys following the water flow in the open drains. On the way we meet a couple of families who gave their perspective on flooding and the tentative water levels. It started with 60cm and went to the highest of 1.5m near a hospital. On quick enquiry this problem seems to be sorted out due to the construction of a drain right next to the hospital. Again the drain trail started following the main drain channel which finally lead us to a bigger stream of sludge that was a natural drain pattern of the area. With this identified as the lowest part we wonder if we found the site that suits our bill!!
This sounds fantastic, really interesting culture! How are these people about the flooding? Is it like a part of their normal life? Are you guys allready becoming a real Ghanees? Can you guys dance as they do? And how is it with the communication of the african people?! Are they open and good to understand?
ReplyDeleteChao Nina, Chris y Alex
Ps. Learn Silesh how to swim!!! We don't have to lose him