By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Abor (V/R), Sept. 2, GNA- Residents along the Abor-Tsiame and Atiavi road in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, have called on the Government to undertake the construction of the road, which is becoming a major threat to lives and businesses in the area.
They said the bad nature of the road had for years been a source of worry and disturbance to commuters, traders, and other road users who rely on the route daily for their livelihoods.
Mr John Kudjo, a resident of Abor, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the poor condition of the Abor-Tsiame to Atiavi road had led to unnecessary accidents involving motorists, particularly motorbike and commercial vehicle operators, who often struggled to manoeuvre through the deep potholes and eroded sections of the road, especially during the rainy season.
He also accused certain drivers of taking advantage of the bad nature of the road to arbitrarily increase transport fares for both “okada” (commercial motorbike) and lorry services, a situation he said had placed additional financial burden on commuters who already had limited options.
“The situation worsened during the rainy season when portions of the road became muddy and slippery. Sometimes it makes it nearly impassable which force some drivers to either abandon the route altogether or charge exorbitant fares to compensate for the risk and delay involve,” Mr Kudjo said.
He recounted that the Government had in the past promised to cut the sod for the construction of the road, a commitment he said had raised the hopes of finally getting a durable road network to ease daily struggles, but lamented that the promise had, up to date, not materialised.
Madam Tsoenamawu Abiwu, a business woman, also said the continuous delay in the construction of the road had left many disappointed, and stated that the situation was affecting economic activities in the area, as farmers, traders and other business owners found it difficult to transport their goods to and from the market centres in good time.
“We are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama and his Government to as a matter of urgency prioritise the construction of the Abor-Tsiame and Atiavi road, because a good road network here will not only save lives, but also boost businesses and improve the general living conditions of the people in the area.”
She expressed optimism that with the Government’s ongoing infrastructural interventions in other parts of the Municipality, the Abor-Tsiame and Atiavi road would soon receive the needed attention, while pledging support for any efforts geared towards the timely completion of the project once works commenced.
The residents, however, cautioned that further delay in addressing the situation could lead to more accidents and needless loss of lives, and urged the authorities to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserved.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /George-Ramsey Benamba