The collapsed bridge
Residents of Achiase and Anumso in the Juaben Municipality of the Ashanti Region are appealing for the immediate reconstruction of a bridge linking them to the Bosome Freho District after the structure collapsed, cutting off movement between the two areas.
The residents have blamed illegal mining (galamsey) activities around the area for the destruction of the bridge, claiming that the activities weakened the foundation of the structure and contributed to its eventual collapse.
Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, the residents said they had on several occasions alerted the authorities on the deteriorating state of the bridge but their concerns were ignored.
“We informed the authorities several times that the bridge was becoming unsafe because of the illegal mining activities around it, but nothing was done. Now the bridge has collapsed, and we are the ones suffering,” one resident said.
The collapse has affected the movement of farmers, traders and commercial drivers who rely on the route to transport farm produce, foodstuffs and other goods between the two districts.
Residents said attempts to create a temporary passage by dumping sand into the collapsed portion of the bridge have worsened the situation, as the sand has blocked the natural flow of the Mentu River and caused flooding during heavy rains.
The affected communities are calling on the Juaben Municipal Assembly and the Bosome Freho District Assembly to urgently construct a durable metal bridge capable of carrying heavy vehicles.
They also appealed to the government and relevant agencies to intensify the fight against illegal mining activities, warning that failure to address the menace could lead to the destruction of any new infrastructure provided.
“If the illegal mining continues unchecked, even a new bridge could be destroyed again. The authorities must act now before it is too late,” the residents cautioned.
FROM David Afum, Achiase