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Opinions of Sunday, 1 April 2007

Columnist: Tagoe, Naa Okailey

Who Caused the floods at the hawkers market?

The recent heavy down pour has caused panic amongst the market folks. The massive floods and its enormous repercussion have indeed hit the market people to the extent that they are threatening to go back to the streets.

Before I continue, I will like to ask just one question, who caused the floods? It really baffles my mind as to what/who caused it. The rains have just begun and the floods have just begun as well, but it is up to you and me to decide the severity of the floods.

Believe it or not it is our life style that has caused us these floods. We litter almost every where; we throw things about just like that. All we have to do is to change our life style and to know where to throw what at what time. What will it cost us if we decide to keep empty water sachets in our bags or pockets and dispose them off when we find a bin? These are basic etiquettes we should learn; in fact we need real change of mind and attitude.

We are making life and work very difficult for the AMA and I am appealing to the market folks to stop accusing Stanley Ajiri Blankson of what he has not done. Granted, the engineers admitted they built shallow drainage, but we have compounded the problem with our care free style of throwing anywhere anyhow.

The gates which have been closed for some time now prior to the floods is nothing for the traders to complain about, it is their deeds that have prompted the AMA to close them. Some of the hawkers choose to sell at the entrance of the gates and this causes massive human traffic. The AMA has every right to close the gates; we should also learn to abide by rules as a people, inculcate discipline in our lives to ensure a better life. Otherwise, the floods will be back and well continue talking!

Naa Okailey Tagoe
Awoshie – Accra
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