TWIN CITY ROADS IN BAD SHAPE (PAGE 23, JULY 15, 2010)

Most roads in the Sekondi/Takoradi metropolis have developed serious defects, making driving very unpleasant in the regional capital.
The surface of the road from Kansawurodu Junction to Apremdo using the by-pass was washed away during last year’s rainy season but the road has not been repaired despite numerous appeals by motorists and residents.
The road from Fijai Junction to Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital which was rehabilitated in 2008 developed serious defects two months after its completion.
Other roads in bad shape include the road from the Naval Wardroom towards Effia-Nkwanta and Takoradi; Nkontompo to Sekondi, and the road leading to Apollo and Essipon road.
The road from the Raybow Hotel through the roundabout on the Axim road and the dual carriageway from the Nkrumah Roundabout towards the STC bus terminal are also in very bad shape.
That aside, the one from the Apremdo Traffic Light through Kwesimintsim to the Central Business District (CBD) has also deteriorated so much that driving on it has become very uncomfortable thereby putting the lives of drivers, who are visiting the metropolis for the first time, at risk.
Other link roads in the CBD are also in very bad shape due to the lack of maintenance.
For instance, the situation at the I-Adu Metal road is so bad that it takes more than 15 minutes to drive through the 400-metre stretch of road.
Interestingly, if this road were in a good shape, it could ease the traffic situation in the metropolis, since those going to Tarkwa from Sekondi can now use the Kansawurodu road to avoid driving through the CBD but driving on the Kansawurado road is also rough and unmotorable.
Presently all vehicles from Accra, and those from Kumasi through Yamoransa, and from
Mankesim, Winneba and Cape Coast heading towards Tarkwa and Elubo have to go through Effia-Kuma and West Tanokrom before joining the Agona Nkwanta-Tarkwa highway.
The current situation is such that, if nothing is done, vehicular traffic will come to a halt in the metropolis.
Some companies in the metropolis have erected signboards to warn their prospective customers and other road users of the existence of trenches on the roads leading to their premises.
Many parts of the dual carriage road leading to and from Fijai and Effia-Nkwanta have actually been reduced to one lane because of the numerous potholes.
The road from Seena Lodge on the main Accra Road and Cocoa Villa is so bad shape that it has almost been abandoned by motorists.
The road contractors that the assembly contracted to do patches on these roads often carry their equipment; wheelbarrows, bitumen, some chippings and sand, in one mini-truck to do the patching. Unfortunately, these are often washed off within a week for yet another round of patching to be done.
When the Daily Graphic contacted officials of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly on what its Urban Roads Department was doing to rectify the situation, they said the department did not use funds from the assembly and until approval for funds were given from Accra, nothing could be done.
The lack of good access roads to the new settlements is preventing people from moving into their new homes which is creating congestion in the metropolis and escalating rent charges.
A visit to Urban Roads Department of the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis revealed that the department is actually does not have the necessary funds and other logistics and would, therefore, not be in the position to carry out any meaningful project or monitor the ones awarded to contractors.