By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, July 13, GNA – Prolonged heavy rains have rendered sections of the Pentecost Junction–Agape Road nearly impassable, disrupting transport, businesses and access to healthcare in the Ga Central Municipality.
Residents say the suspension of construction over the past two months has worsened conditions on the 5.2-kilometre road, increasing transport costs and the risk of flooding.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency to the area found deteriorating road conditions, with motorists, residents, traders and healthcare workers expressing concern over the impact on their livelihoods and essential services.
The road, whose reconstruction resumed last year, serves as a major transport corridor linking Agape, Ablekuma, Weija and Anyaa and is used daily by thousands of commuters.
Commercial and private drivers said the poor condition of the road had led to frequent vehicle breakdowns and higher maintenance costs.
“Very soon, we are all going to park our vehicles because we spend more on car maintenance than the money we make from working on this road,” Mr Nana Yaw, a taxi driver, said.
Residents said heaps of construction sand left along the road median had been washed into adjoining drains, obstructing the flow of stormwater and increasing flooding during heavy rains.
Mr Francis Osei, a resident of Agape, said blocked drains had worsened flooding in the community.
“When it rained, our home was flood because the drains was choked with sand. In the dry season too, all our rooms were filled with dust. We are really suffering,” he said.
Mr Isaac Ainoo, another resident, said the deteriorating road had increased transport costs and made it difficult to secure vehicles at night.
“Our transport fares have gone up. Now I pay twice. It is difficult to get a vehicle home late in the night because of the nature of the road,” he said.
Drivers operating on the Ablekuma–Agape route said transport fares had increased by about 20 per cent to offset rising vehicle maintenance costs.
Business operators along the corridor said poor road conditions had reduced customer patronage and increased operating costs.
“It is difficult for customers to drive here to buy from us and that is really affecting our sales. The dust is also a big problem for us because of the sensitive nature of the food business,” Ms Juliana Safowaa Danso, a food vendor, said.
Healthcare workers also expressed concern about delays in emergency medical services.
The Agape community hosts at least three private health facilities serving residents within and beyond the municipality.
“As a midwife, it is very difficult for me to arrive here in time to respond to emergencies. My major worry is pregnant women and children who would be stressed out before they get to the health facility,” Ms Mercy Koranteng, a midwife, said.
Responding to the concerns, Mr John Ben Armah, Municipal Roads Engineer for the Ga Central Municipality, said the contractor had temporarily suspended work because of the persistent rains.
He appealed to residents to remain patient and said construction was expected to resume next week.
Residents expressed hope that work would resume as scheduled to restore safe transport, improve business activity and facilitate timely access to healthcare.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Edward Acquah