Residents of Buru-Navio in the Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region are calling on the government to urgently repair a collapsed bridge that has cut off several communities and crippled local economic activities for the past four years.
The bridge, which was constructed during the administration of the late President Jerry John Rawlings, once served as a key route connecting communities and supporting trade across the district. However, in 2021, the structure collapsed, leaving residents stranded and forcing them to cross the river on foot to reach nearby towns.
“This bridge used to connect us to our markets and health centres,” said a resident. “Since it collapsed, movement has become risky, especially during the rainy season. We’ve lost people trying to cross the river.”
Another resident expressed frustration over what he described as years of neglect. “We’ve heard promises from authorities many times, but nothing has been done. We just want the government to fix the bridge so we can live normal lives again,” he said.
Community leaders say the situation has severely affected trade and access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Farmers are unable to transport produce to nearby markets, and vehicles have been diverted, increasing transport costs.
“The collapse has brought untold hardship to us,” said another resident. “Until the bridge is fixed, we will keep losing lives and livelihoods.”
Residents are therefore appealing to the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the District Assembly to prioritize reconstruction of the bridge to restore connectivity and revive economic activities in the area.
By: Iddrisu Hamzata
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