The diversion of the Ayensu River by a contractor working on the Kasoa-Cape Coast Highway has led to significant destruction, resulting in the submersion of over 150 houses and the collapse of three buildings.
The damage began on Wednesday, June 5, when the diversion affected a bridge over the Ayensu River. The river, which originates in the Eastern Region, crosses the Accra-Cape Coast Highway at Gomoa Okyereko in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region before flowing into the sea.
The river’s diversion caused the main Accra-Cape Coast Highway to collapse, leaving commuters stranded on Thursday morning, June 6.
Robert Hackman, the Gomoa East District Director for the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO), described the extent of the damage to Citi News’ Calvis Tetteh and advised motorists to use alternative routes while waiting for the road to be repaired.
“Currently, three houses have collapsed, and almost 150 houses have been submerged. As it stands now, it hasn’t been easy.
“This morning, we came around 3 am hoping that the water would go down, but part of the bridge has collapsed totally. 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,” Hackman stated.