Bunkprugu Chief raises fears over collapsed bridge

Several authorities in the Mamprugu Traditional Area including Chief of Bunkprugu, Naasimong Bukari, have raised security concerns over the collapse of a bridge that links Nalerigu to the Bunkprugu – Yunyoo district in the Northern region.

The Nalerigu-Sakogu bridge is marked one of the structurally deficient bridges on the abandoned Walewale Bunkprugu road and tumbled down two weeks ago following a heavy downpour.

The bridge which serves as reliable route for travelers to Napkanduri, Bunkprugu, Togo, Garu and Bawku had been in poor condition and calls by passengers and drivers for maintenance were ignored.

The incident has crippled all activities as travelers from neighboring Togo now spend more time on another bad road through Namong to Nalerigu or Gushegu to Tamale.

Several domestic trade between local communities have been affected. Schools, healthcare, security, politics are all limping following the collapse of the bridge.

School children, motor riders wade through the water to and fro their destinations. Professionals including teachers, nurses, service personnel and even some security officers are unable to report to work.

It has also disconnected Bunkprugu, the district capital known for its intermittent land related tensions from Nakpanduri where a military Base is located. A reinforcement and ambulance service cannot also access many communities in the district in case of any eventuality.

Speaking to Starr News, the chief said many attempts to get government attention through district assembly officials have been unsuccessful.

He said the matter which happened two weeks ago is yet to be officially reported to the Member of Parliament, Solomon Boar, highlighting a widespread rumour of frosty relationship between the MP and the Palace.

The chief stated that farmers from the surrounding communities were not able to bring their goods to the Nalerigu market due to the collapse of the bridge which he feared would create hardship.

He also expressed worries about how soldiers would now travel much longer distance on poor road to the area when there is any threat. He thus, called for a quick fix to alleviate their sufferings.

Bunkprugu Yunyoo is one of two districts out of 26 in the region without a District Chief Executive. An internal acrimony between supporters of the party regional chairman, Bugri Naabu and the Regional Coordinating Council has affected a second attempt to select the head of the assembly.