Ayuom residents protest over broken bridge; threaten to boycott December 7 polls

Vehicular movement from Ayuom to Kotei Deduako and other adjoining communities in the Ashanti Region is being impeded.

This is because the bridge constructed to link the communities is yet to be made accessible.

The lack of accessibility has forced the residents to construct “unsafe” temporary wooden footbridge.

Angered by the situation, residents have begun series of protest to demand immediate intervention from authorities.

“The benefit we are supposed to get from paying tax is the provision of basic social amenities. If government cannot get this simple bridge fixed to save lives and properties, what then is the use of the tax?”, angry Hameed Zakariah, a resident of Ayuom fumes.

Driving from Ayuom to Kotei which would’ve taken less than 5 minutes now takes close to an hour using the alternative.

This is a concern to the residents.

“Anytime we attempt to publicize our concerns, the authorities see it as you’re against the government, but we are suffering. The regional hospital is at Sewua and from KNUST hospital to that place will be less than 10 minutes should this bridge be fixed. However, in its current state if there is an emergency that needs referral from KNUST hospital to the Regional Hospital at Sewua, the long distance alone can cost the life of that patient”, Robert Asamoah, a resident stated.

Some of the aggrieved residents have also threatened not to vote if the bridge is not fixed before December 7.

“What have we done wrong? This bridge has been left in this situation for four years and it appears authorities do not care about our safety despite persistent appeals. We don’t need any ballot box in this area if government fails to make this bridge accessible before election”, Akua Fosuaa.

Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive for Bosomtwe, Joseph Akwasi Asuming has given assurance to the residents that, the bridge and the road would be made motorable before the year ends.

The post Ayuom residents protest over broken bridge; threaten to boycott December 7 polls first appeared on 3News.

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