Work progresses steadily on Birim River at Akyem Oda
Work is progressing steadily on the reconstruction of the bridge spanning the Birim River at Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region.
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The project, which started in January 2016, is being undertaken by the Bridge Maintenance Unit of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA).
The single-lane bridge is now being constructed into a dual carriageway by converting part of the bridge, which was formerly being used by train, into a road.
Inspection
This came to light when the project supervisor, Mr Ezam Amuzu, led the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Mr Kwabena Nkansah-Asare, and members of the Akyem Oda Concerned Citizens Association (AKOCCA) to inspect the progress of work on the project.
Briefing the team, Mr Amuzu said the first phase of the project would be completed by the end of May this year after which it would be opened to vehicular traffic to enhance economic activities in the area.
He said the second and final phase involving the demolition and reconstruction of the old structure would be completed within three months.
Mr Amuzu said the entire project, which was to be completed at the end of March, 2016, was delayed due to additional scope of work, including the conversion of the bridge into a dual carriageway.
Intervention
Mr Nkansah-Asare explained that following the concern expressed by the users of the bridge about its imminent collapse, he appealed to the Minister of Roads and Highways, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, who awarded the project on contract to alleviate the plight of the people.
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He said the completion of the project would bring relief to the people of Oda, Nkawkaw, Kumasi and New Abirem, among others, who use the bridge.
The MCE appealed to the users of the bridge to bear with the workers of the GHA since the reconstruction works were in their own interest.
He commended the workers for the quality work they had executed so far and urged them to ensure its early completion.
On security, Mr Nkansah-Asare said there was regular police patrol at night to protect the users of the bridge from being attacked by criminals, and added that he had also contacted the Electricity Company of Ghana to install streetlights in the area.
The Vice President of AKOCCA, Mr Maxwell Kofi Nti, commended the government for the intervention and said it would facilitate business activities in the district and the region as a whole.