Severe flooding has impacted the Zabzugu and Tatale/Sanguli Districts, nearly cutting off their connection to Yendi after heavy rains ravaged the Zabzugu-Yendi main trunk road for almost a week. The River Oti’s overflow at Sabare has inundated the main road, making it difficult to transport essential goods such as yams, maize, groundnuts, and other cereals to major cities like Yendi, Tamale, Kumasi, and Accra.
While economic activities and movement continue, vehicles carrying these goods have faced substantial delays. According to a Zaa News reporter on the ground, passengers are being forced to disembark and walk through the flooded section while empty vehicles navigate the road, leaving passengers frustrated. One expressed their frustration, stating, “We’re tired of this annual flooding that disrupts our lives. Can’t the authorities find a lasting solution?”
Alhassan Umar, former MP and NDC Parliamentary candidate for Zabzugu, also criticized the engineering and supervision of the road, pointing out that the Roads and Highway Authority should have ensured the road was elevated to prevent flooding. He faced unforeseen delays while traveling to Wulensi for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Constituency Campaign Launch, further underscoring the impact of the flood on daily activities.
Efforts to patch large potholes on the road with chippings by a wheel loader have also caused more delays, adding to passengers’ frustrations with the subpar work of the contractor.
Flooding along the River Oti has become a recurring issue, with major floods recorded in 2021, 2020, 2015, 2009, and most notably in 1999, when thousands were displaced, and crops were destroyed. This year’s flooding follows a similar pattern, once again disrupting lives and livelihoods in the region.
By Alidu Laabandow/zaaradio.com
