The death of a 50-year-old woman in the Susan River at Anloga in Kumasi has compelled the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly to fix the footbridge in the area.
This has come as a relief to angry residents who recently hit the streets to register their dissatisfaction over what they claim to be developmental neglect by the assembly.
For almost two years, residents of Anloga have had to risk walking in the Susan River to cross from one end of the community to the other after the collapsed of their wooden footbridge.
The route connects Anloga and several other communities in the Oforikrom and Asokwa municipalities.
Heavy rain means users of this route will have to find alternative way to reach their destination.
The alternative way takes more than 30 minutes to get to Susan Akyi from Anloga and vice versa.
After series of protest by residents for authorities to fix the problem, the assembly has finally reconstructed a metal bridge to ease movement and save lives.
“Last year during the heavy rains, a woman lost her life. Even though there were plans to put up a footbridge here, that incident led to an increase in the demand for it, therefore, we had to channel resources for other equally important project to fix the situation here,” Municipal Chief Executive for Oforikrom, Abraham Kwame Antwi stated when he officially opened the bridge for public use.
Excited residents are hopeful the bridge will enhance economic activities in the area.
“We have suffered a lot. Having this footbridge is a blessing to us. Movement will now be easier and business will flourish”, assemblyman for Anloga East electoral area, Solomon Kumi said.
“I used to call home to asked if the bridge is accessible, anytime it rains. If not, then I find an alternative means of reaching home. This bridge has come as a relief to us,” a resident, Nelson Fukor indicated.
Meanwhile, work on three motorable bridges in the area are progressing steadily and expected to be completed by the end of the year to ease movement.
By Ibrahim Abubakar|AkomaFM|Onuaonline.com
