Work begins on Kasaawere bridge at Oda

Reconstruction works on the bridge over the Kasaawere stream at Akyem Oda are ongoing after it had become a death trap for years due to neglect by successive governments.

The project is being undertaken in two phases by Jo-Mint Limited, a Kumasi-based construction firm, at a cost of GH¢13.7 million.

First phase completed

The first phase of the project involving the construction of a two-kilometre by-pass road from the Akyem Oda SDA Junction through Birim Wood Complex to Nkwantanum, a suburb of Akyem Oda, for temporary use by motorists has been completed.

Work on the bridge, which forms the second phase, was begun in May this year and is expected to be completed in four months’ time.

No major rehabilitation

The bridge had not been rehabilitated ever since it was constructed in 1947 and had degenerated to the extent that it had become a danger to motorists.

In recent times, the deplorable nature of the bridge had compelled many individuals and organisations to call on the authorities to have it reconstructed in order to prevent fatal accidents.

Among the organisations that called for the bridge to be remodelled were the Birim Central Municipal Security Committee, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and Akyem Oda Concerned Citizens Association (AKOCCA).

Apart from holding a number of press conferences, AKOCCA organised a demonstration to draw the attention of the government to the high-risk nature of the bridge.

Bridge to be ready by October

In an interview with the Daily Graphic at the project site last Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jo-Mint Limited, Mr Joe Mintah, said if there were no hiccups, the project would be completed latest by the end of October this year.

He said when the bridge was ready for use, the by-pass road would be tarred to create an alternative route for motorists travelling from Oda to Accra, Agona Swedru, Asamankese, Nkawkaw and Kumasi without them having to pass through the centre of the town.

Mr Mintah appealed to motorists and other road users to cooperate with the contractor for the work to be carried out smoothly.

Some residents of Akyem Oda who were interviewed by the Daily Graphic were full of praise for the government for listening to their concerns and for coming to the aid of motorists and the municipality.