Some residents of Oterpkolu in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region have threatened to stage a demonstration over a dilapidated bridge which connects the three Krobo towns to other parts of the country.
The bridge, which is about a 100 years old was constructed during the Gold Coast era and links the three Krobo towns; Yilo Krobo, Lower Manya Krobo and Upper Manya Krobo.
Speaking to CTV News’ Kamal Ahmed, the Wetsomatse (Divisional Chief) of Bunaase, Nene Sipim Tetteh Aflo noted that, renovation works on the bridge was carried out under the late Jerry John Rawlings-led administration.
Since then, the bridge has not been renovated under any other government leading to its dilapidated state.
Nene Aflo also explained that about 30 heavy-duty trucks ply the bridge daily carrying about 200 tons of weight, especially, that of foreign companies which own limestone quarries in the Krobo area.
He stressed that, if the bridge breaks down completely, it will affect the transportation of foodstuff to Koforidua, Tema, the Volta Region and some other parts of the country.
Nene Aflo, therefore, appealed to government to come to their aid and construct a new bridge for the area as the current one poses a grave danger to commuters.
A native of Odumase, Adolf Nomo also stated that the bridge poses a danger to commuters with all the cracks in it.
He described it as scary and emphasised that it could lead to loss of lives.
He also noted that the outgoing Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Byno Teddy and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area had told the people that the bridge will be renovated in 2019, but nothing was done about it.
A resident of Oterpkolu, Emmanuel Kofi however, disclosed that the bridge shakes whenever motorbike riders use it.
He further disclosed that he has had to fast and pray all night whenever he transports his farm produce to Tema using the bridge.
He added that they will demonstrate to register their displeasure with the poor state of the bridge because, the authorities, have taken the people of the area for granted.
