Government urged to complete work on Birim bridge

The Akyem Oda Concerned Citizens Association (AKOCCA) has appealed to the Government to release funds for the completion of rehabilitation works on the Birim Bridge.

The steel bridge in the Birim Central Municipality of the Eastern Region is in a dilapidated state as the work had been abandoned by the contractor due to lack of funds.

Mr Gilbert Frimpong, the Public Relations Officer of AKOCCA, briefing the media after inspecting the bridge, said the contractor abandoned work early this year and this had resulted in its deterioration making it a death trap.

“Currently some bolts and knots have become loose and the slightest trigger could cause a total collapse of the bridge,” he said.

Mr Frimpong said the executives of the Association contacted the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) who made a followed-up to the Ministry of Roads and Highways in Koforidua.

“The MCE was informed by the Ghana Roads Fund Department of the Ministry of Roads and Highways that they were not ready to continue with the work due to unavailability of funds,” he said.

Mr Frimpong said: “We are, therefore, pleading with the Ministry of Finance, the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council, the Ghana Roads Fund Department and the Municipal Assembly to fast track efforts for the release of funds to enable the contractor to continue work.”

He said further delay of work could cause havoc and called on the authorities to expedite action.