Cape Three Points Bridge Now A Death Trap

The chief and people of Cape Three Points in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region have called on the government to ensure the urgent repair of a dilapidated bridge linking the area and Elebonkata, including other adjoining communities in the district.

They indicated that the reconstruction of the bridge would ensure the safety of residents when they are commuting, especially during rainy season.

They claimed they had complained severally about the problem, yet the authorities had persistently demonstrated no commitment to fix the dilapidated bridge on that stretch of road.

A visit to the community by DAILY GUIDE revealed that the only bridge that links Elebonkata and Chanvieli communities had deteriorated with cracks beneath it.

It was so serious to the extent that any heavy vehicle that plies the road could easily collapse it. It was also revealed that the road network in that area was riddled with potholes and gulley, making it unsafe and difficult to use.

Speaking to journalists, the Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, Ebenezer Kojo Kum, noted that he had been talking to the Minister for Roads and Highways on the need to get the road and the bridge fixed. He indicated that the initial consideration for rehabilitating the road excluded the bridge but assured the residents that he would lobby for the inclusion of all dilapidated bridges in the rehabilitation project.

“I am not certain that the rehabilitation works will include the construction of a new bridge or reconstruction of the bridge but I will notify the Minister for Roads and Highways about the bridges. I personally have been having several discussions with the roads minister on developmental issues within my constituency”, he stressed.

“We don't need to wait for some calamity to befall us before we act. So we will see how best we can address this problem,” he added.

Mr Ebenezer Kojo Kum gave the assurance that he would also get in touch with some giant companies such as the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) and the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA) and let them know that it would be in their own interest to have the problem fixed.

He indicated, “Though the two institutions cannot voluntary construct the bridges without the necessary consultations with the state, nothing stops us from engaging them on getting something done about the problem”.

He mentioned that it would be in the interest of GREL and GPHA to fix the bridge because if any accident occurs on the bridge, it will adversely affect their operations.

From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi