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Haruna Abdul-Karim orders removal of structures on Kpandai watercourses
•2 min read•2 sources
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kpandai, Haruna Abdul-Karim, has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures built on watercourses following severe flooding that struck the district on September 23, 2026. The flooding, which disrupted transportation and local business activities, has prompted a renewed focus on the area's infrastructure deficiencies. Abdul-Karim emphasized that enforcing building regulations is critical to protecting lives and property, especially as meteorological forecasts predict further rainfall in the coming weeks.
The impact of the recent downpour was particularly severe near the Amdaway Filling Station and the Kpandai Yam Market, where rising water levels halted economic activity and endangered residents. Many community members, including local resident Rebecca Katrapor, have expressed frustration over the perennial nature of the floods, noting that current drainage systems are unable to cope with heavy precipitation. Katrapor and others called for urgent government intervention to ensure that vital routes remain passable during the rainy season.
In addition to the demolition order, the DCE has appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Highways for the construction of a larger, more resilient bridge to replace the existing structure, which is often submerged during storms. Abdul-Karim argued that while clearing illegal constructions is a necessary step, a long-term solution requires significant structural investment to facilitate better water discharge. The District Assembly intends to strictly monitor the development of new shops and buildings along drainage paths to prevent a recurrence of the current situation.
The local government's response aims to balance strict regulatory enforcement with public safety initiatives. Beyond infrastructure and enforcement, the assembly plans to lead sanitation campaigns to clear debris from gutters and improve overall drainage efficiency. These combined efforts are designed to mitigate the seasonal hazards that have long plagued the Kpandai district, providing more stability for local businesses and safer conditions for residents.
