The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bongo, Akaseke Joseph Abaa, has expressed deep concern over the poor state of road networks in the Bongo District, calling for urgent collaboration from stakeholders to ease challenges facing contractors—particularly the rising cost of gravel.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Abaa noted that many major routes in the district, including the Namon-Bongo, Bondungo, and Sumburungu-Nyariga stretches, remain in deplorable condition, making transportation difficult for commuters and discouraging trade activities.
According to him, several trucks have previously been involved in accidents due to potholes, especially along the Namon-Bongo corridor, which has negatively impacted internally generated funds (IGF).
In response, the Assembly, in collaboration with feeder roads, has embarked on spot improvement works, using graders and backhoes to patch critical areas.
“We cannot afford to be suffering when these machines are available,” the DCE stressed, adding that some stretches, such as the Nyariga route, are currently being properly tarred to ensure durability.
However, Mr. Abaa lamented that access to gravel remains the district’s biggest obstacle. He revealed that some landowners charge as high as GH¢300 per trip of gravel, a cost that deters many contractors.
“Imagine a contractor buying 100 trips at such a price—many will abandon the project altogether,” he said.
The DCE appealed to chiefs, assembly members, and opinion leaders to release land for gravel at reduced or no cost to support road construction. He also acknowledged that some landowners demand high prices because they feel overlooked in government employment opportunities, even after offering their land for development projects.
“One landowner told me he gave land for a school but wasn’t considered for security work there, so he decided to sell gravel instead. There is some sense in their argument,” he admitted.
Mr. Abaa urged state agencies to consider landowners and their families for recruitment when development projects are sited on their lands. He believes such recognition will motivate more people to release land willingly for public works.
He assured residents that the Assembly, together with the Regional Minister and other stakeholders, is committed to ensuring that Bongo’s road infrastructure improves, as reliable roads are key to reducing accidents, boosting economic activities, and enhancing development in the district.
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