Residents of Manso Watreso in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region are urgently calling on the government to reconstruct their deteriorating bridge, which has been abandoned for the past eight years.
According to the residents, the bridge, which serves as the only route connecting the town to other communities, was originally constructed in 1954. However, it has not undergone any significant maintenance over the decades, leading to its current state of disrepair.
Speaking to the media, concerned residents lamented that the bridge has become a death trap, posing serious risks to pedestrians, traders, and motorists who rely on it for daily movement.
Due to the severe damage, many vehicles, especially commercial ones, have stopped using the route, forcing residents to seek alternative and often inconvenient pathways.
“We fear for our lives every day when crossing this bridge. It shakes when vehicles pass over it, and parts of it have started breaking off. We have reported this issue several times, but no action has been taken,” a distressed resident stated.
The poor state of the bridge has significantly affected economic activities in the area. Farmers and traders who transport goods to nearby towns struggle to reach markets, leading to financial losses.
Additionally, the situation poses a challenge for schoolchildren, healthcare workers, and emergency service providers who must navigate the unsafe structure.
The residents are appealing to the government, the Amansie South District Assembly, and relevant authorities to intervene before tragedy strikes.