Residents of Achiase and Anumso in the Juaben Municipality of the Ashanti Region are appealing to the government to urgently reconstruct a collapsed bridge that serves as the main link between their communities.
The collapse of the bridge has left residents, motorists and traders facing severe transportation challenges, disrupting the movement of people, goods and essential services.
According to residents, the bridge had been in a deteriorating condition for several years. They alleged that about two months ago, a heavy-duty truck attempted to cross the weakened structure, causing it to collapse completely.
They said the situation has become unbearable, as commuters are now forced to take longer alternative routes, while some vehicles are unable to access the affected communities altogether.
Motorists who spoke to Adom News expressed concern that the situation becomes even worse during heavy rainfall, as the road leading to the collapsed bridge becomes flooded, bringing transportation to a complete standstill.
“This bridge serves as the boundary between the Juaben Municipality and the Bosome Freho District. We are suffering because of its collapse and urgently need government intervention,” a resident said.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Juaben, Eunice Ohenewaa Ansu, acknowledged the challenge and attributed the collapse partly to the frequent use of the bridge by overloaded heavy-duty trucks.
She further indicated that illegal mining activities in the area could also have contributed to weakening the bridge’s foundation.
“The excessive use of the bridge by heavy trucks contributed to its collapse. Aside from that, illegal mining activities may also have weakened the structure. This bridge is an important link between the Juaben Municipality and the Bosome Freho District, and we are putting measures in place to address the situation,” she told Adom News.
Residents are therefore calling on the government, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and other relevant agencies to expedite the reconstruction of the bridge to restore normal transportation and economic activities in the area.
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