The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has ordered the temporary closure of the Kaneshie footbridges after an assessment discovered major structural issues.
Residents were reassured by the mayor when he ordered the footbridges to be closed on Wednesday that quick action would be taken to protect lives while repairs were started.
Speaking to commuters and traders during the inspection, the Mayor emphasised that the Assembly will not take chances with public safety in light of recent structural failures in the city and urged residents on and around the bridges to leave the area to allow for urgent rehabilitation work.
He warned that anyone who disregarded safety procedures or tried to use the bridge illegally would be subject to legal repercussions and urged the public to strictly comply with the orders.
The Mayor reaffirmed in a different media interview that the Assembly would start preparatory work right away using its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) while waiting for further assistance from the national government.
The Mayor described the situation as critical after observing that parts of the bridge had already degraded dramatically, with exposed metal reinforcing evident due to fractured concrete.
He urged locals to report dangerous structures and developments in their neighbourhoods, promising that the Assembly would act quickly to guarantee adherence to engineering requirements.
Additionally, the Mayor stated intentions to work with other MMDCEs (Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives) in Accra to conduct combined enforcement exercises and inspections in locations like Adenta, School Junction, Dansoman, and Agbogbloshie.
The concerted strategy, he continued, was led by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo would target dangerous buildings throughout the city and, if necessary, demolish noncompliant developments.
The mayor reiterated the dedication of his government to serving Accra’s citizens, stressing that maintaining safety, enhancing infrastructure, and upholding laws were essential to creating a resilient and sustainable city.
The Mayor was accompanied by Hon. Frank Nkansah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, who stated that the footbridge’s continuous use by traders had made maintenance challenging over time, resulting in the deterioration of vital elements like barriers and structural footings with obvious rust and damage.
Following a joint inspection of the Kaneshie footbridges with the Mayor and representatives of the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, Eng James Oduro Amoo-Gottfried, Director of the Department of Urban Roads, supported the decision to partially close the footbridges while acknowledging that the structure was in poor condition and needed immediate attention.
He said that while repairs were being made, pedestrians may safely cross the busy Kaneshie section of the Dr. Busia Highway by using temporary alternate routes, which would include designated crossing spots along the road’s median.
Source: newsthemegh.com