Copyright ahotoronline
The Klagon Under-Bridge Market in Accra has been severely affected by recent floods, leaving vendors devastated and struggling to cope with the aftermath. Floodwaters have inundated the market space, damaging goods and stalls, and halting normal business activities. Families that depend on daily income from selling foodstuffs now face uncertainty as their livelihoods hang in the balance. The vendors’ plight has drawn public attention, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable solution to this recurring problem. Market women, who form the majority of traders at Klagon, have voiced their frustration over the lack of adequate infrastructure to protect them from flooding. They explained that each time the market is submerged, government efforts are limited to temporarily pumping out the water using vehicles. However, once the water recedes, a thick layer of mud remains, making it impossible for customers to access the market comfortably. This mud also causes hygiene and safety concerns, further deterring patronage and harming the vendors' business. The vendors are pleading with the government to intervene by constructing a proper market facility that offers protection from such floods. They argue that a well-built, raised market complex would prevent the economic losses and emotional trauma they endure every flood season. Their call underscores the urgent need for long-term investment in infrastructure that can withstand Accra’s flooding challenges and better support the local economy.Addressing the flood situation at Klagon Market is critical not only for the vendors but also for the hundreds of customers who rely on the market for daily groceries and food supplies. Without timely action, these floods will continue to disrupt livelihoods and stall the economic activities of vulnerable traders. The government’s swift response will signal a commitment to improving the living and working conditions of these hardworking citizens and strengthening community resilience against climate-related disruptions. Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
