Radio Progress News first radio station in the Upper West Region
Related Articles
Residents of Kpare and surrounding communities in the Daffiama Bussie Issa District of the Upper West Region have issued a stern warning to politicians and authorities regarding the continued neglect of their primary road.
For years, the residents of Kpare have been pleading with authorities to fix the road that connects their community to neighbouring areas, including Kojokperi and Wa.
The road, once a vital route for commerce and transportation, has now become a symbol of neglect, riddled with potholes and erosion that make it nearly impossible for vehicles to traverse.
On Friday, 9 August 2024, residents of the community, led by the local assembly member, mobilized to fill the gaping holes in the road. They also created diversions around sections of the road that were collapsing.
Speaking to Journalists, Sumaila Haruna, the Unit Committee Chairman of the Kpare/Chala electoral area expressed the collective frustration of the community.
“Despite repeated pleas to authorities, no action has been taken on the road. We are therefore urging the public, especially politicians, to refrain from bringing their campaign activities to Kpare ahead of the general elections or risk our wrath.”
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, assembly members, and the unit committee, Haruna highlighted the dire transportation issues facing the community.
A representative of the landlords in the community, Angkpalanuba Michael, echoed the concerns raised by Haruna, emphasizing the broader implications of the condition of the road. “The bad nature of the road has posed significant challenges to us. This is a major road that needs attention because people from Wa East also use it. We are unable to carry our women in labor to the hospital. A tricycle carrying a woman in labour some time ago even had an accident on the road, which worsened her condition.”
The condition of the road has also affected the local economy, with traders from neighbouring communities like Jolinyiri, Chala, and Kenkelen choosing to bypass Kpare’s market in favour of Bussie Market.
This shift has significantly reduced revenue at the Kpare market, which further exacerbates the economic struggles of the community.
Mumuni Seidu Baani, the Assembly Member for the Kpare/Chala electoral area, expressed his deep concern over the bad nature of the road. “People are dodging the potholes, which could result in accidents. If someone is involved in an accident on this road, they could lose a part of their body. We are very concerned because the road affects our lives in so many ways.”
Baani also warned that the road is on the brink of becoming completely impassable. “The road is caving in, and if it continues, it will finally be cut off, and we will not be able to travel to nearby communities. There is another road linking the community to Wa through Bayiri, but it is also in poor shape.”
The assembly member highlighted the efforts by residents to maintain the road while awaiting government intervention. “We have seen the need to do something on the road to prevent it from completely cutting off as we wait for the government to intervene. But it’s becoming increasingly difficult, especially when it comes to transporting patients to the hospital because vehicles can no longer use the road.”
He indicated that the impact on farmers in the community has been particularly severe. “We are predominantly farmers, and we find it difficult to transport our food produce. This road is our lifeline, and its condition is choking our livelihoods,” Baani added.
