The Bolgatanga-Sherigu-Naaga road, an important road network that links several communities in the Bolgatanga and Kassena-Nankana municipalities, remains unfinished years after construction began.
Frustrated by the long delay, residents of Sherigu and its neighbouring communities have issued a 10-day ultimatum for immediate action from the government and the contractor, Araco Construction Limited.
At a press conference held in Sherigu, on Thursday, October 24, the community expressed deep disappointment over the contractor’s decision to abandon the project, despite receiving full payment from the government.
Araco Construction Limited was awarded the contract in 2018 and was expected to complete the 30.85-kilometer road in 24 months.
However, five years later, the road remains in a deplorable state while the contractor has parked out of the site.
“The Bolgatanga-Sherigu-Naaga road is a lifeline for our communities. It is crucial for transporting farm produce to the markets, and it serves as a critical health corridor for getting patients to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. The delay in completing this road has exposed our people to serious health risks and transportation difficulties,” Stephen Akugre, an Assemblyman for the Kumblingo electoral area, on behalf of the community stated.
Mr Akugre who is the Presiding Member of the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly emphasised the adverse impact of the road’s poor condition, noting that potholes have deepened into water-filled craters, making travel treacherous, especially during the rainy season.
Residents also face severe health risks from dust pollution during the dry season, which has led to an increase in respiratory illnesses.
“If you are pregnant and you continuously ply this road, you are likely going to get a miscarriage or preterm birth because of the long period you will have to use of the road to the referral center. We are getting all kinds of respiratory diseases such as asthma because of the dusty nature of the road,” Priscilla Adombire a resident lamented.
According to a disgruntled resident, Samuel Apaare, “This is the only road that Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly passes to dispose of refuse generated in the Upper East Regional capital. But look at the nature of it, very deplorable.”
Madam Elizabeth Alosere, a teacher from the community bemoaned that the situation is affecting teaching and learning as teachers and students who ply the road report late for academic activities due to its deplorable state.
The community has given the government and Araco Construction Limited 10 days to take action, warning that failure to meet the deadline will result in a mass protest.
They have called on the Municipal Chief Executive, Rex Asanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, and the Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, to intervene immediately.
#GhanaPolls2024
#CitiVerify
#ElectionBureau
—–
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
