Collapsed Ashalaja Bridge replaced

A new steel bridge has been constructed over the Densu River for Ashalaja and surrounding communities in the Ga South Municipality.

 The bridge, which was opened to the public on Tuesday, replaces an old one that collapsed in July, this year.

The 36.6 metre-bridge is valued at GH¢281,776.

Proper use of bridge

At the opening ceremony, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), Mr Francis O.M. Digber, advised residents and other users of the bridge to avoid tampering with the adjustable knots.

He also urged them to guard against heavy trucks using the bridge, especially at night.

 Improved bridge

The project manager of bridge maintenance unit of the GHA, Mr Haminu Abubakar, said the bridge was temporary and would be removed as soon as work on the permanent bridge under construction was completed.

He indicated that the bridge was better than the old one that collapsed.

“The system that we have now is different from the other bridge. The configuration of the bridge is now reinforced with a wider width than that of the previous one. New wings have been provided at the sides to support the bridge unlike the other one”, he said.

 Excited residents

Excited residents of Ashalaja and the other communities, namely Ayikai Doblo and Amasaman, were overjoyed at the replacement of the collapsed bridge.

The assembly member for the Ashalaja Electoral Area, Mr Rafick Attuquaye Abdul Malik, recounted the challenges the residents of the three communities went through when the old bridge collapsed.

“The schoolchildren found it difficult to cross the river to school. Businesses grounded to a halt and life was really unbearable for us here,” he said.

He said he would work with the Ga South Municipal Assembly and local opinion leaders to enact bye-laws to regulate the effective use of the bridge to avoid any disaster.