For years, the vital waterway has been narrowed by tons of sediment and clogged with plastic debris, drastically reducing its capacity to handle rainwater. This has led to repeated localized flooding in residential and commercial areas during heavy rains.

Now, dedicated municipal teams are on the ground in a large-scale desilting operation. Their tasks include removing the mountainous silt and sediment, extracting solid waste and plastics that block water flow, and ultimately re-establishing the drain's original capacity.

"This isn't just about digging out mud; it's a critical public works project for resilience," a municipal statement read. The cleanup aims to eliminate stagnant water pockets that have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and posed sanitation risks.

Kalamu Musah Adamu, the Ablekuma North Municipal Chief Executive, visited the site and expressed his appreciation for the workers' efforts.

“I want to express my appreciation to the engineers and laborers for their hard work in this challenging task,” Adamu stated. “This proactive maintenance is key to safeguarding our community and building a more sustainable, flood-resilient future.”

Officials highlight that a fully functional drain will mean reduced flood risk for Sakaman and downstream communities, cleaner neighborhoods, and urban infrastructure better prepared for unpredictable weather patterns.

Residents in the flood-prone area are hopeful the long-term operation will bring lasting relief when the next rainy season arrives.