“Our vehicles are breaking down”-drivers say

Some Motorists plying the Ashiaman-Nungua road have expressed concerns about the poor nature of some portions of the road, saying “our vehicles are breaking down.” The situation is worse at Vivian Farm, Barrier and Klagon areas as it has developed pot holes and some looking like craters. This they (especially Taxi drivers) say has increased their cost of maintenance resulting in the surcharge of fares.

One Taxi Driver, Kumordzi at the Vivian Farm Taxi Station observed that, “the road has been a worry to us. Maintenance of the road has been long over due. The cause of the problem is that, drainage systems were not constructed, when the road was built.

Therefore, when ever it rains, it settles on the road because there are no drainage systems to direct the flow of water.” He also told the this freelancer that, “for the past eight years, he has not seen any survey saying, people in high ranking positions have been plying the road but, nothing has been done about it.” Another resident also told this freelancer that, “he had some time ago seen some white men surveyed the area and it appeared the whole stretch of road would be re- constructed.” The situation can also be attributed to some form of physical and chemical weathering. When it rains, rain drops smash the tarred road which can lead to the ware off of tar on the surface. However, continues rain action can loosen the compactness of gravel (Coal) particles to develop cracks and pot holes. The drivers plead with the government to urgently rehabilitate or re-construct the road to make their work easier.

Ivan Akposoe

GIJ, ACCRA