The Eastern Corridor Road in the Kadjebi District, particularly the Ahamansu Junction stretch, has shown significant deterioration in just two years since its construction and commissioning. During a visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on October 13, the presence of pervasive potholes and cracks was noted, raising concerns about the road’s structural integrity. Drivers, including Mr. Solomon Bombor, voiced their frustration regarding the condition of the road, labeling it as “very unfortunate and bad.” Despite recommendations to the construction company, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, to implement pavement blocks that would accommodate the area’s topography, those suggestions were disregarded. This oversight has led to the road becoming severely compromised, particularly during the rainy season when it is challenging to navigate.
The adverse impact of the road’s condition extends beyond just inconvenience for drivers; it poses a significant risk for accidents. Mr. Bombor remarked on how the road deteriorates during rainfall, creating hazardous driving conditions, and noted the crucial role the Police play in directing traffic to prevent accidents. His call to action emphasizes the need for rectification by the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) to mitigate further degradation. He also highlighted similar issues on other nearby stretches of the road, urging for immediate interventions from the authorities to address the widespread defects encountered by drivers.
Mr. Samuel Hayibor, another taxi driver who frequents the network, echoed similar concerns about road safety. He cautioned that unsuspecting drivers, unfamiliar with the current state of the road, could easily find themselves in dangerous situations. Hayibor’s insistence on urgent repairs illustrates the broader sentiment among the local driving community regarding the imperative of maintaining road safety and enhancing visibility of road conditions for all users. His plea reflects the shared apprehension that excessive delays in addressing these issues could lead to preventable accidents.
In response to these concerns, Mr. Ben Tunde, Area Manager for the Ghana Highway Authority in Dambai, acknowledged the deteriorating state of the road. He confirmed that a contract had been awarded for repairs, with a contractor expected on site shortly. Tunde’s discussion with GNA highlighted the importance of responsible management regarding road upkeep. His commendation of the GNA for their concern accentuates a collaborative approach to tackling the road issues and underscores the urgent need for the authorities to prioritize infrastructure safety and reliability.
Further detailing the situation, Mr. Emmanuel Okang Klu, the Ghana Highway Authority Supervising Engineer associated with the project, explained that the road’s decline is exacerbated by heavy truck traffic, particularly overloaded ones that frequently traverse the Eastern Corridor. Klu’s observations reveal a significant challenge in maintaining the structural integrity of the road due to heavy construction traffic. He suggested the establishment of axle-load weighing stations as a potential solution to prevent such damage from overloaded vehicles, pointing to practices in other jurisdictions where overloaded trucks face surcharges or are mandated to offload excess cargo. Highlighting the economic implications of road damage, Klu underscored that the costs incurred from repairing road damage significantly surpass any potential surcharges.
The Eastern Corridor Road, inaugurated by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on October 25, 2022, was celebrated as a substantial infrastructure project aimed at fostering economic development and improving accessibility within the region. Constructed by Sinohydro Corporation Limited at a cost of $45 million, the 56.4-kilometer road stretch has been envisioned to significantly enhance connectivity between Jasikan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta, and beyond. However, the premature deterioration reported within such a short operational window raises questions about the construction standards and long-term planning necessary for sustaining vital transport routes. The current challenges not only underscore the need for timely maintenance and accountability in road management but also reflect broader implications for economic growth and community safety across the district’s transportation networks.
