The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Upper West Akim, Emmanuel Drah, has assured residents of Asuokaw in the Upper West Akim District that the construction of their long-awaited bridge will soon start.
The MP told the Daily Graphic in an exclusive interview last Thursday that the cost estimates and necessary documentations for the project were currently under review by the Feeder Roads and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, after which approval would be given for the project to commence later this year.
He indicated that his office, the municipal assembly and Ministry of Roads and Highways, were committed to fulfilling the pledge of reconstructing the vehicular and foot bridge at Asuokaw.
“The necessary documents and estimates for the project are currently on the table of the Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, who is reviewing them for approval.”
“I have written to the Roads Minister, the Chief of Staff and even the Defence Minister to bring attention to the issue.”
“We have been assured by the Minister for Roads and Highways that once the necessary documents are approved and a contractor is selected, work will commence on construction of the bridge,” he said.
The construction of the bridge became a national issue when a video surfaced on social media in March this year, where two pupils in Asuokaw were seen walking on a tree branch put over the River Ayensu in the Upper West Akim Municipality to cross to the school.
The pupils, aged between four and nine, in their account said they were traumatised by a vehicular accident on the main road where the journey to school takes about 20 minutes, hence their decision to be crossing the River Ayensu at Asuokaw to school and back.
The video, which triggered a national conversation, saw President John Dramani Mahama give directives to the Minister of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Defence to deploy engineers and other stakeholders to evaluate the construction of a permanent bridge over the river.
The new bridge is expected to improve safe passage of vehicles and residents to access essential services, facilitate trade and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
