Sayikope bridge over the Aklakpa stream in the North Tongu district has coved in as a result of a trailer truck loaded with some 600 bags of salt from Ada en route to the North .
This was made known by the Member of Parliament for North Tomgu constituency, Samuel OKUDZETO-Ablakwa.
Posting the collapsed bridge on twitter now X, the MP said Highway authorities and engineers at the North Tongu District Assembly had recently queried the structural integrity of the bridge leading to a “weak bridge” classification and the imposition of weight restrictions.
He however, noted that, it is not clear to why the bridge was not immediately closed and fixed despite consistent appeals from locals.
According to Mr OKUDZETO-Ablakwa, some commuters who frequently use the bridge have also indicated that they noticed a sharp deterioration of the bridge after it was affected by VRA’s spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.
He has therefore called for an urgent inquiry into the circumstances and the scientific factors that caused the collapse of the bridge .
He is also demanding a thorough engineering assessment of all bridges in the constituency , particularly the bridges which were submerged by the VRA induced floods.
“This bridge disaster must serve as a wake-up call to government to carry out the much needed recovery and restoration interventions following the spillage catastrophe.” He said.
“For now, we are grateful to God that there were no fatalities. We may not be this lucky the next time.” He noted.
Mr OKUDZETO-Ablakwa also donated life jackets to canoe operators who have volunteered to help constituents cross at the point of the damaged bridge and also provided funds to the volunteer boat operators so everyone, especially school kids can be ferried to and from school without any financial burden.
Source: Ruth Adjorlolo
