A group of women from the Sirigu community, located within the Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region, has delivered a bold ultimatum to the government. They demand urgent action to rectify the state of their collapsed bridge, or stage a public protest in the nude.
Their outcry stems from the lamentable condition of the bridge, which has left the community isolated for an extensive four-year period, despite its indispensable role in connecting crucial facilities such as health centres, farmlands, and schools.
A spokesperson among the women, while addressing our correspondent, underscored the bridge’s critical significance in their daily lives. She stated, “The broken bridge is not just a piece of concrete; it is our connection to life. Without it, we are isolated from medical care, our livelihoods, and the rest of the world. Our children miss school, and our elders suffer.”
These frustrated women vocalised their grievances during an earlier demonstration organised by community members and their Paramount Chief, Naba Roland Atogumdeya Akwara III, on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
The Paramount Chief, sharing their dissatisfaction with the bridge’s condition, expressed deep disappointment and frustration concerning the unmet commitment made by Road Minister Kwesi Amoako Atta to restore the vital bridge.
The Chief recounted several engagements with the Road Minister and three Members of Parliament representing his community. The assurances received were that the bridge would be repaired before the rainy season.
Regrettably, these assurances from the Minister have not been upheld. “In fact, at our last meeting, I was with the MP for Navrongo Central, MP forPaga- Chiana, and MP for Bongo, which he assured me that it will be fixed soon. Our people have suffered for years due to the sorry state of this bridge. The Minister’s promise to fix it was met with hope and optimism, but it’s disheartening to see that nothing has been done. The broken bridge continues to hinder economic activities, disrupt daily life, and pose serious risks to commuters.”
The Chief strongly emphasised that the bridge’s deterioration not only obstructs the transportation of goods and services but also jeopardises the safety of those reliant on it, particularly during the rainy season when water levels surge.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
