Company turns sidewalks into mechanical shop

The activities of some traders and other businesses on pavements in the Tamale metropolis is not only putting the lives of pedestrians in danger but also wearing off the beautifully laid out asphalt on some major roads in the metropolis.

Such activities are not only carried out by the indigenes in the area but also perpetuated by some foreign investors.

Almost all the major roads in the Central Business District are now filled with traders, who display their merchandise on the pavements, making movement difficult.

As if that is not enough, the median on the roads have also become market centres, thus putting the lives of both consumers and vendors in danger.

Another phenomenon is the washing of cars and motorbikes on the pavements.

This unhealthy practice is carried out in the full glare of city authorities, particularly along areas such as the agric and choggu highways. For instance, at water works, a portion of the road has completely been washed off following the activities of the car washing bays.

An Indian-owned company, SOMOCO Ghana Limited, dealers in Bajaj motors, has taken over one of the busiest sidewalks in the city on the hospital road.

They have virtually turned the pedestrian walkway and bicycle lane into a workshop where they service motorbikes and tricycles, thus spilling engine oil all over the place.

It has not only made the sidewalks very slippery and dangerous for its users, but has also made the road deteriorate faster.

It is also a common spectacle to see heaps of sand on the sidewalks and pavements.

Such indiscipline has not only led to loss of lives but also resulted in several injuries to innocent people.

Checks by the paper have brought to fore the practice by some motorbike dealers who are also using the sidewalks to display or advertise their motorbikes.

Mohammed Nashiru, a.k.a. Johnny Nash, is worried about the situation.

According to him, he has witnessed several accidents involving motor and bicycle riders and pedestrians on the hospital road pavement where the Indians operate.

“The situation is very serious and if the authorities fail to act, there would be a clash between the pedestrians and the motor company whose activities are causing the problem and also destroying the roads,” he claimed.

Another resident, Abukari Abdul Jaleel noted that movement along the sidewalks is almost impossible these days and this is a source of great worry to the people, and if care is not taken, a lot of people would lose their lives.

In an interview with the branch manager of the company, Mr Shankar Sharma, he said they were making efforts to expand their service centre to clear the machines from the sidewalk.

“We have bought materials to expand the service centre, so that we can get the machines off the street.”

Meanwhile, all efforts to get the urban roads director to speak to the issue proved futile.