A reconstructed bridge at Atafoa in the Bantama Constituency, which had been claiming lives during the rainy season, has been commissioned by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at a colourful ceremony.
Nine precious lives have been lost in the last two years as a result of the Owabi River swelling beyond its banks, causing massive flooding in the area.
The bridge had become a death trap, constantly threatening the lives of both users of that stretch of the Abrepo-Junction-Barekese road and residents of Atafoa.
Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Minister of Roads and Highways, the loss of three lives last year, and six lives the previous year served as a painful reminder of the urgent need for intervention.
He said the construction of the new bridge would serve as a lifeline, enabler of economic growth, a solution to a long-standing challenge, and a symbol of the government’s commitment to connecting people, places and opportunities.
“Over the years, surrounding communities have faced challenges that made their daily lives difficult particularly during the rainy season when the Owabi River swell beyond its banks, turning this area into a hazard zone,” Mr Asenso-Boakye remarked.
The newly constructed bridge, he noted, represented safety, accessibility and opportunity.
People living in areas such as Bohyen, Abrepo, Atafoa, Ohwim, Amanfrom, Asuofua, Nketia, Adankwame, Barekese will no longer struggle to cross the Owabi River with the reconstruction of the bridge, the Minister stated.
The 40-metre concrete bridge is part of a lager project titled “Rehabilitation of Abrepo-Junction-Barekese-Offinso Road”, which commenced in April 2023 under the supervision of the erstwhile Ghana Highways Authority.
The scope of work includes rehabilitation of a four-kilometer stretch of the Abrepo-Junction-Barekese Road with asphaltic concrete surfacing terminating at Kokoben.
It also includes the construction of roadside concrete drains and major culverts to address the perennial flooding, road line markings and installation of road signs to enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians.
Mr Asenso-Boakye said these elements combined to create resilient, durable and safe infrastructure that met the highest engineering standards.
GNA
KOM/CAA
26 Nov. 2024
