Damanko(N/R), Jan 29, President, Jerry John Rawlings today commissioned a bridge over River Oti at Damanko linking the Northern and Volta Regions. The bridge is one of four which are being financed by a loan from the United Kingdom. The others are at Sabari also in the Northern Region, at Kadjebi in the Volta Region and Tano in the Brong Ahafo Region. The construction of the four bridges is being undertaken by a U.K. firm at an estimated cost of 3.5 billion cedis and 14.5 million pounds. The bridges at Sabari and Kadjebi have been completed and the one at Tano is in progress. The Sabari and Kadjebi bridges cost eight billion cedis and 14.5 million pounds. The construction of the steel bridges are intended to open the areas to agricultural development and also improve transportation of goods in areas they are located.

President Rawlings spoke about the benefits the people will derive from the bridges and said they should take good care of it. "The bridge,which measures 225 meters, cost a lot of money. Put it to productive use. I know how industrious you are", he told the people. The president deplored the rate at which thieves are making away with bridge guards, signposts including those at the Kotoka International Airport aircraft guarding lights. The president said such activities are dangerous it could lead to massive loss of life.

Therefore,he appealed to all citizens to assist the security agencies to curb those negative tendencies. Mr John Carter,Managing Director of Mabel and Johnson, the British company which constructed the bridge, said work started in November 1994 and took 14 months to complete. "Much of the success can be attributed to our excellent workforce both those locally employed from the Damanko area and those brought in from Accra. He said his company has an active policy of in house training to enchance the already well renowned skills of the Ghanaian worker.

Dr Ato Quarshie,Minister of Roads and Highways,expressed concern at the rate at which some people are pilfering and damaging road infrastructure as well as guardrails on birdges making it dangerous for vehicles. the bridge is weakened and pedestrian and motorists are not protected. "I would therefore wish to appeal to those of you with information on the activities of these people to report such culprits to the law enforcement authorties without hesitation," Dr Quarshie added.