The traditional leaders and motorists at Eshiem have commended the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) initiative, hailing it as a game-changer for enhancing the road networks within the metropolis.
While expressing their appreciation for the project, they are also urging the engineers at the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly to accelerate the project’s completion before the upcoming elections.
The stakeholders are eager to see the project through to its fruition, recognizing its potential to significantly improve the local infrastructure and enhance the community’s overall well-being.
The Eshiem to Mpintsin junction road has been in a deplorable state for years, despite its vital importance to the local economy.
This critical road facilitates access to markets, industrial zones, and commercial centers, driving economic growth and development.
However, its poor condition has sparked over six separate demonstrations in the last four years, with residents expressing frustration over the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly’s perceived inaction.
On August 23, the NDC parliamentary candidate for Essikado Ketan constituency, Professor Dr Grace Ayensu Danquah initiated the reshaping of the road, but halted without explanation.
However, on Friday, August 30, the NPP parliamentary candidate, Charles Onuawonto Bissue and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly mobilized equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme to address the issue.
Motorists who use this stretch of road shared their concerns about its deplorable condition.
“We were overjoyed when we heard that machinery was being dispatched to work on this road, as we have been suffering due to its poor condition. Just last week, I had to spend GHC2,500 on car repairs, and I believe that if the road were maintained, I could have avoided such expenses. In fact, a well-maintained road would be a benefit to my taxes, as I could have bought a shock absorber that would have lasted me six months to a year.
We are appealing to the government to come to our aid, as the poor road conditions are affecting our daily lives. I recently had to transport a pregnant woman from Eshiem to Essikado, and she gave birth in my car.
Now, I’m struggling to find a vehicle to transport my belongings to Kojokrom, so I have to walk.
We are grateful to Bissue for deciding to construct this road for us, and we urge him to continue his efforts as our Member of Parliament for the constituency. We also appeal to the engineers to expedite the work and complete it on time, as we are eagerly awaiting the benefits of a well-maintained road.” They mentioned.
The traditional leaders applauded the initiative, welcoming the efforts to improve the road network and its smooth movement.
“We thank God that Charles Bissue has finally brought the machines to our road to upgrade it for us. This has been a long-standing desire for our community, and we are grateful that it is now being addressed. During his last visit, he assured us that he wouldn’t make promises but would ensure that the work gets done. True to his word, today we are witnessing the arrival of the machines to commence the work.
The presence of these machines on our road has brought a sense of joy and relief to us. Moreover, once the road is maintained, it will significantly reduce the cost of buying spare parts, which has been a burden on us for a long time.”
Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, believes this will significantly enhance the road network and also create job opportunities in the metropolis and the region at large.
“In our region, we have been allocated a total of 110 pieces of road improvement equipment as part of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP). This project is expected to have a significant impact on our local economy, creating 8,000 direct jobs and stimulating economic development.
The improved roads will also help reduce post-harvest losses, save farms, and enable farmers to transport their produce to market centers more efficiently.
Additionally, the project will improve general service delivery across the country, benefiting our communities and enhancing their overall well-being.” Okyere Sarko stated.
