…To Link Akatsi, North Tongu & Adaklu-Anyigbe Districts

The Ministry of Road and Transport has cut sod for the construction of a 39-Metre bridge at the cost of ¢6 billion (old cedis) on River Tordzi to enhance trade, movement and other socio-economic activities between the people of three districts in the Volta Region.

They are Akatsi, North Tongu and Adaklu-Anyigbe Districts.

According to the Road Minister, Joe Gidisu, the bridge is expected to be completed in two months. The Department of Feeder Road has been tasked to ensure the construction of the road immediately after the construction of the bridge is completed.

DFID, JICA and the Spanish Government are supporting the construction of 5, 000 of such bridges at water crossing points throughout the country, Mr. Gidisu disclosed, adding that out of the 5,000 bridges, 1,200 of them have been classified as critical for the effective functioning of the road network.

The bridge which is located in the Akatsi district has been made possible through the instrumentality of the First Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ave-Avenor Constituency, Mr. Edward Doe Kobbly Adjaho.

In the past, Mr. Adjaho had to purchase a canoe to commute people, including traders and students, across River Tordzi to sell their wares and also attend school. All social and economic activities halt when the river overflows it banks, especially in the raining season.

Wild jubilation characterized by drumming and dancing of Agbadza by chiefs, market women, and students amidst firing of musketery last Monday, marked the sod-cutting ceremony at Avadre, a farming community near Akatsi. In attendance were the District Chief Executives of Akatsi, North Tongu and Adaklu-Anyigbe Districts.

The MP was overwhelmed with joy that the construction of the bridge has finally moved from the drawing board onto the ground with the contractor, Mawums Construction Company Limited, actually at site with his workers busily putting up the structures.

He was also hopeful that a six-unit classroom block, store and a KVIP which is at the roofing level, will be completed for students who have for years had to study under an almost collapsing mud structure roofed with thatch, to relocate.

The First Deputy Speaker also told the chiefs and people of Avadre that the water problem facing them will soon be over as a borehole drilling company, which is currently drilling in the nearby North Tongu District, is expected to drill a couple of boreholes in the town.

The MP later cut another sod for the construction of a six-unit classroom block at the Akatsi Demonstration School.