BAD STENCH RAIDS ASYLUM DOWN

Matilda Attram.

Some residents at Asylum Down have turned a major uncovered drainage near the Christian Methodist High School which is close to the Kwame Nkrumah circle, a ceremonial street into a place of convenience though a public toilet is sited few meters from the drain.

Interestingly, some residents defecate anytime of the day without shame, ignoring cars that drive by. Some also dump tied black polythene bags containing feaces into the drain which directly connects the Odow River, oblivious of the health hazard.

Remnants of used toilet papers, rubbish have also taken over section of the drain.

Residents, who pass by, are either spotted covering their nose or fleeing from the stench that wafts through the air.

When Daily Graphic inquired from residents why some people defecate into the drains, some said they could not afford 25 pesewas to visit a nearby toilet facility.

Sebastian Nii Attram, a resident said, “They complain paying 25 pesewas is too expensive hence they use the open drain which is free of charge…. It is irresponsible but it seems authorities are relaxed”.

It is so common to see adults as well as children squat closely at the edge of the drain ignorant of the dangers of falling into the drain.

A student at the Christian Methodist High School, Amanda Wilson said the situation was worrying. “We always hurriedly climb the stairs and cross the street because the stench is unbearable…. we have to cover our nostrils to stop inhaling bad air which emanates from the drain” she said.

Some residents told Daily Graphic that anytime it rained heavily, human excreta are carried into their homes especially when drains become full.

A resident who gave her name as Esi Nkansah said the bad odour wafts through their homes. “We cannot bear the stench especially in this rainy season, we can’t sleep because we breathe bad air…please do something about our situation”. She said.

Some residents who pleaded anonymity claimed they had reported to the Assembly man of the area but nothing seems to be done about the worrying situation.

They alleged the assembly man of the area is aware of the situation but have done nothing about it.

The Director of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Osu Klottey Sub- Metro, Seth Nii Okpe told Daily Graphic, there has been no official report to the assembly.

He however admitted the situation was unpleasant. “It’s a huge problem particularly since it is close to a school and residential homes… it is also worrying because it is close to a public toilet and the Kwame Nkrumah Circle which is a ceremonial area.. we need to solve this problem holistically” he said.

“We need to tackle the problem immediately. I plead with community members, assembly members, and security institutions particularly the police to help arrest offenders.” He added.