Residents of Kenyasi 18 in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region say a collapsed bridge is leaving them stranded whenever it rains, disrupting children's education, cu
The report indicates that residents of Kenyasi 18 in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region say a collapsed bridge is leaving them stranded whenever it rains, disrupting children’s education, cutting access to farms, workplaces and healthcare, and raising fears for their safety.
It further notes that they say even moderate rainfall causes the river to overflow, making the crossing impossible for days.
“For months, we have not been able to use the bridge,” stated resident Moses Boakye. “When it rains heavily, we can’t even cross to go to work or school.”
He stated families sometimes remain trapped in their homes for up to three days before floodwaters subside.
Residents also struggle to transport farm produce and materials, while workers returning home are often forced to wait for hours until the water recedes.
“We appeal to the government to come and help us,” he said.
For many residents, the greatest concern is the safety of schoolchildren. Kwadwo Aboagye stated residents regularly carry children across the river because the bridge is no longer safe to use.
“We usually carry the kids to cross the river,” he said.
He stated adults often wait by the riverside after school to help children make the return journey home. “If no one is there to help them, some children cannot even go to school,” he said.
The flooding is also affecting farming, he added, with floodwater destroying crops whenever the river overflows.
“Our farms usually get destroyed because the water floods the land and destroys our crops.”
Kwadwo stated the bridge collapsed about a year ago before being further damaged by heavy rains. He stated many families now fear every approaching rainstorm.
“We are always afraid when it looks like it is going to rain.”
Adama Ibrahim stated some children miss school for days because they cannot cross the river, particularly families who cannot afford alternative transport. “Sometimes students don’t go to school because when it rains they don’t get where to pass,” she said.
