Most basic schools in Enchi have been temporarily shut down following severe flooding that has rendered several communities unsafe for academic activities, the Aowin Municipal Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has confirmed.
According to the Municipal NADMO Director, Mr. Karim Ndego, the decision was taken after continuous rainfall led to rising floodwaters across the municipal capital, making it increasingly dangerous for pupils and teachers to move to and from school.
He explained that the situation had escalated to a point where normal classroom activities could no longer be safely sustained.
Mr. Ndego indicated that the closure expected to last about one week was arrived at in collaboration with the Aowin Municipal Education Directorate as a precautionary measure to prevent possible casualties, especially among school children in flood-prone areas.
He emphasized that the safety of learners remained the top priority of the authorities.
He further explained that several factors have worsened the flooding situation in Enchi, including the blockage of natural water channels by unauthorized structures, poor sanitation practices, and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains.
These activities, he noted, have significantly reduced the capacity of drainage systems to handle heavy rainfall.
The Municipal Safety Officer, Mr. Isaac Okyere, also urged parents and guardians to exercise heightened supervision over their children during this period.
He cautioned against allowing children to play in or near floodwaters, warning that such exposure poses serious risks, including drowning and waterborne diseases.
Mr. Okyere further disclosed that a number of roads within the municipality have been cut off by floodwaters, disrupting transportation and limiting movement across affected communities.
He assured residents that security services are working closely with NADMO to maintain order, assist in emergency situations, and support ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property.
Meanwhile, NADMO has called for long-term community cooperation in addressing the root causes of the flooding, stressing the need for improved sanitation practices and stricter enforcement against the obstruction of waterways.
Authorities say these measures are critical to preventing a recurrence of the situation as the rainy season continues.
By 1960news.com
