Filthy Drain in Techiman Zongo Sparks Malaria Outbreak, Residents Call for Urgent Action

A drainage system designed to channel excess water in Techiman Zongo has now become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, exposing residents to malaria and other diseases. The stench from the drain is unbearable, making daily life a struggle for people living nearby.

The wide drain, intended to aid the free flow of wastewater, has been turned into a dumping ground by some residents. Scenes from the area reveal a mix of solid and liquid waste, creating a putrid smell that makes it difficult to breathe.

A shop owner near the drain described the situation: “The stench emanating from the gutter is unbearable. I’m always confined to my shop, I can’t sit outside or cook, and I have to use a fan throughout the day.”

Malaria has become a common challenge in the area, forcing residents to seek treatment at hospitals and clinics regularly. Many say the mosquitoes make nighttime activities nearly impossible. “You can’t sit here at night because the mosquitoes won’t spare you. It is a huge problem,” one resident noted.

While the community participates in occasional cleanup exercises, the drain is often neglected, with residents hoping rain will wash away the waste. “When we organise cleanup exercises in the Zongo, this gutter is always neglected. The gutter is too big for an individual to clean. If there were enforcement from authorities, I believe people would participate,” a resident said.

In response, the Municipality Chief Executive of Techiman South, Adjei Mensah, commended ongoing efforts by the assembly to maintain a clean environment and assured residents that public education campaigns would be intensified. “We are embarking on serious public education to ensure positive outcomes,” he said.

Scenes from Techiman Zongo reflect broader sanitation challenges affecting several communities across the municipality. While the Assembly, traditional leaders, and youth groups continue to work towards cleanliness, residents stress that inclusive participation and stricter enforcement are critical to achieving lasting results.