NADMO Probes Filling Station Location Following Flooding in Affected Areas

The Upper West Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr. Osman Sinsew, says authorities are examining the siting of a filling station in a flood-prone community following widespread flooding triggered by the March 29 rains.

Speaking after an inspection of affected areas, Mr. Sinsew linked the flooding to a combination of poor drainage planning and settlement in a known waterlogged zone.

He explained that runoff from the Islamic Hospital enclave and adjoining parts of town is being channeled through a sloped gutter system that directs large volumes of water into a single low-lying area where residents have built.

“Water from the hospital area and other parts of town all meet at one point, which is already a waterlogged place,” he noted.

He further indicated that the drainage infrastructure around the filling station may be inadequate to handle the volume of water.

According to him, the culvert constructed at the site is too small, while the gutters are neither deep nor wide enough to effectively contain and direct stormwater.

“The system cannot carry the volume of water that comes through that area, and that contributes significantly to the flooding we observed,” he said.

While concerns have been raised by residents about the location of the filling station, Mr. Sinsew was measured in his response, emphasizing that such facilities are typically established with permits from regulatory bodies.

He stressed that any decision on whether the station should be relocated would depend on technical assessments and consultations with relevant authorities.

“Ordinarily, considering the risks associated with fuel stations, one would suggest they should be located away from residential areas. But I may not be able to conclusively say it should be removed without technical advice,” he explained.

Mr. Sinsew reiterated that NADMO’s primary responsibility is to protect lives and property. He disclosed that officers have begun detailed data collection in the affected communities to inform a comprehensive report and guide recommendations on the way forward.

“We have assessed the houses, and our officers are on the ground collecting data. From there, we will advise on what can be done regarding both the filling station and the residents to ensure safety,” he said.

He also cautioned against indiscriminate construction, stressing that land ownership does not automatically make a location suitable for building.

“It is not everywhere that you can build. Some places are meant to be left undeveloped,” he warned.