Kojokrom market: Charles Bissue addresses flooding issues with GH₵6m storm drain project

Charles Onuawonto Bissue, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Essikado Ketan Constituency, has launched an initiative to address the long-standing flooding issues at Kojokrom Market, one of the largest markets in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

Charles Bissue is overseeing the construction of a 200-meter long, 2-meter-wide storm drain, a project valued at GH₵6,000,000, with a completion timeline of two months.

This storm drain aims to alleviate the frequent flooding that disrupts business activities during heavy rains, a major concern for the market women.

Speaking to Beach FM, Charles Bissue in the company of the Divisional Chief, Kojokrom, Nana Panyin Yena IV, said, he responded to a recent petition from the market women by conducting an onsite inspection, after which he mobilized resources with the support of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

“Recently, market women from Kojokrom petitioned me regarding the longstanding flooding challenges. Following an onsite assessment, I observed unacceptable conditions, including spoiled perishables. Compelled to act, I sought funding for a storm drain solution”.

“With the Vice President’s support, we secured necessary resources. This project will significantly alleviate the vendors’ hardships,” he assured.

Kojokrom Market is a bustling commercial center that attracts traders and customers from across the region. Despite its economic significance, the market has been plagued by flooding for decades due to an inadequate drainage system. The frequent downpours have led to damaged goods and significant losses for traders, with many expressing frustration over the lack of action by previous authorities.

Some market women spoke to Beach FM expressing gratitude for the commencement of work, adding that politicians have made promises but failed to deliver lasting solutions. Another vendor shared how, despite raising her shop to avoid the floodwaters, the issue persists, causing repeated damage to her stock.

“For 25 years, we’ve endured unbearable losses due to flooding. Every time it rains, our goods get soaked. We’ve complained repeatedly, but no action has been taken. Politicians come, take pictures, and vanish, leaving us with nothing. This time, we demand progress. We want to see tangible results and a properly constructed storm drain that will put an end to our suffering.”

“Our biggest challenge is the inadequate storm drain. I personally suffered a devastating loss when my entire stock was destroyed by flooding. To mitigate the issue, I elevated my shop, but unfortunately, the problem persists.” They lamented.

The Assembly Member for Kojokrom, Napoleon Agyeman Oduro, praised Charles Bissue’s efforts, noting the importance of the project for the entire community.

“For years, Kojokrom market women have borne the brunt of flooding due to inadequate drainage. With the entire gutter network converging here, the volume of water is staggering. Annual floods have brought immense hardship. We’re deeply grateful to Charles Bissue for initiating this storm drain project. Once finished, it will bring immense relief to our vendors,” he explained.

The project is expected to significantly improve the market’s conditions, offering a safer and more conducive environment for both traders and customers.