Sekondi tipper-truck drivers demand terminal

The Sekondi-Takoradi Tipper Truck Association has called on the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) to as a matter of urgency assist them to get a permanent transport terminal.

“We contribute to the revenue of the assembly by paying our parking tolls and other taxes for the development of the metropolis, and yet what do we get in return?" Mr. Philip Odoom, the Chairman of the association asked.

He noted that driving the trucks serves as a means of livelihood for about 500 tipper-truck drivers in the metropolis, and artisans who assist them when their vehicles develop fault.

Mr. Odoom said this at a stakeholder’s forum supported by the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) Fund to advocate for creation of a spacious and modern bus terminal for members of the association.

“Apart from payment of parking tolls and taxes, we also assist the assembly with our trucks to carry laterite and other materials for land-filling purposes,” he said.

He pointed out that there is a situation currently, wherein taxi-drivers and other commercial drivers jostle for space with members of the association who park long some of the major roads within the metropolis - and this is affecting their business.

He said the association is therefore appealing to traditional authorities to collaborate with the metropolitan assembly to agree on a permanent location for construction of a permanent truck terminal.

“Some of our members are on the verge of losing their jobs now that the Apremdo-Nkroful stretch of road is under construction - the city planners should do something about our situation,” he said.

Ms. Elizabeth Arthur, the Assistant Development Planning Officer of the STMA, explained that the World Bank is supporting the assembly with over GH¢5million to construct a permanent terminal for the tipper-truck drivers within the metropolis.

She added that the project will start as soon as the assembly gets a land for the association -- land acquired by the Assembly for this project has been encroached on and it is looking for other alternative areas.