Residents in Kasoa, Weija-Gbawe, and nearby areas are furious over a nine-hour traffic jam triggered by heavy rain on Monday.

Residents in Kasoa, Weija-Gbawe, and nearby areas express fury over nine-hour traffic jam caused by heavy rain on Monday.

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Residents of Kasoa, Weija-Gbawe, and nearby areas are livid over an extensive traffic jam that persisted for approximately nine hours following heavy rain on Monday.

This stretch, notorious for congestion, encountered an unprecedented gridlock that began on Monday night and stretched into the early hours of Tuesday, with some individuals not reaching home until as late as 3:00 am on Tuesday morning.

The cause of this traffic chaos is attributed to silt and debris washing onto the road during the rainfall. Truck drivers heading towards the Central and Western Regions were forced to halt as the traffic snarl persisted for over nine hours, resulting in road blockages that impeded vehicle movement.

Numerous individuals who spoke to Joy News expressed their frustration at the prolonged hours spent in transit before finally arriving home in the early morning. One person described it as the most severe congestion they had ever witnessed, emphasizing the standstill from the old barrier to Tetegu to Kasoa, rendering the journey impossible. Vehicles were reported to be breaking down in the flooded streets amid the rain, exacerbating the situation.

Another resident recounted the ordeal as akin to “hell,” narrating their three-hour journey which usually takes far less time. They expressed desperation, considering abandoning their vehicle to walk home, though the conditions rendered it impractical and risky. Others shared similar experiences, with one individual even resorting to taking a one-hour nap in their vehicle amidst the standstill.

Social media platforms became avenues for venting frustration, as residents aired their grievances over the unprecedented gridlock. Furthermore, other roads in the national capital suffered from unusual congestion due to the heavy downpour. Motorists traversing the Graphic Road to Odorkor faced hours of traffic, while sections of the N1 highway and Tema Motorway were also affected by the gridlock.

The consequences of this gridlock extend beyond mere inconvenience, impacting productivity, safety, and overall well-being. Businesses faced delays in deliveries and employees struggled to reach their workplaces on time, disrupting daily operations. Additionally, prolonged exposure to such stressful conditions can have adverse effects on mental and physical health, exacerbating fatigue and stress among commuters.

Addressing the root causes of such gridlock is imperative to prevent future occurrences and mitigate their impact on communities. This necessitates comprehensive urban planning, including infrastructure improvements, drainage systems maintenance, and effective traffic management strategies. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns on responsible waste disposal and environmental conservation can help minimize the accumulation of debris on roads during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding and subsequent traffic disruptions.

The recent gridlock experienced by residents of Kasoa, Weija-Gbawe, and surrounding areas underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to address urban congestion and enhance resilience to weather-related challenges. Collaborative efforts from government authorities, urban planners, and community stakeholders are essential to create sustainable solutions that ensure smooth and safe mobility for all residents.

Source: Myjoyonline

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