Some communities in the Navrongo Central Constituency of the Upper East Region have given a strong word to the government, threatening they will not partake in the 2020 general election if their bad roads and bridges are not fixed in two weeks.
The communities have further warned they would resist any politician who attempts visiting their communities for purposes of political campaigns if their needs are not met.
The communities include Gingabnia, Gani, Kologo, Naaga, Biu, and Doba which has its road networks leading Anatheem and Sumbrungu in the Bolgatanga Municipality.
Atea Emmanuel, a leader of the youth in Gingabnia in the Navrongo Municipality, complained their road network, including their bridges, are not in good shape and that any time it rains, they find it difficult to cross over.
He tells our Upper East Region correspondent, Rabiu Tanko, that the situation affects maternal health since they are not able to access health care at the municipal capital during rainy days.
Mr. Atea also fears that the spillage of the Bagre Dam – which is scheduled to happen soon – is going to worsen their situation, hence their demand for immediate action.
Earlier in the week, Kologo and its surrounding communities were literally cut off from the Navrongo township as a result of a heavy rain which flooded most of the routes.
As at the time 3news.com visited the scene, young boys were seriously cashing in on the situation by aiding people to cross over to the other side of the flooded portions.
Kofi Adda constructs bridges
Meanwhile, information gathered from the Office of the Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central, Joseph Kofi Adda, indicates that the MP has taken an initiative of constructing bridges and culverts in some communities to save them from being cut off from the central town.
The Punyoro Bridge, which was destroyed by floods in 2016, has been reconstructed and completed by the MP. The bridge provides the easiest link to Navrongo, the municipal capital.
A resident expressed joy at the sight of reconstruction of the bridge:
“We used to pass through the river during the dry season and sometimes through the water because passing other routes is very far but now we are happy this bridge is fixed. Our women can now visit the big hospital in Navrongo,” he said in vernacular.
Another bridge, which links Nyangua to communities like Kwania, Navio in the Chiana-Paga constituency and communities in Burkina Faso, is also under construction.
A spokesperson for the MP, Achaari Wenawome Clifford, tells 3news.com, the development of the area is of utmost concern to the MP, hence his commitment to ensuring the communities are not cut off.
According to Mr. Achaari, the MP has pre-financed the bridges and culverts constructed so far up to the tune of GHȼ 210,000 from his personal coffers while awaiting his share of the District Assembly Common Fund.
He added the projects will eventually transform the constituency into a hub of socio-economic activities, improving livelihood in the area.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana