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General News of Wednesday, 29 April 2020

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

I welcome government’s decision to construct a new bridge at Chorkor - Oko Vanderpuije

Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, MP for Ablekuma South play videoAlfred Oko Vanderpuije, MP for Ablekuma South

Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije has welcomed government’s intervention and resolution to build a new bridge for his constituency in Chorkor.

The decision to build the new bridge comes days after Oko Vanderpuije donated items to be used for the construction of a wooden bridge in the area.

According to the former Mayor of Greater Accra, he was informed by his 2016 NPP rival that government has promised to cut sod for the construction of a new bridge for the community on Thursday, April 30, 2020.

He noted that there was the need to construct a similar concrete bridge after the NDC built one at the other side of the lagoon during its administration, under his supervision.

“As Mayor of Accra I was privileged to supervise the construction of the bridge which is serving community. There’s the need to construct a similar bridge on the other side of the Chemu lagoon and for me, it has to happen and I welcome it that it should take place.”

The decision to construct a new bridge comes after Sunday’s heavy rains destroyed a floating bridge which was constructed four months ago.

However, Oko Vanderpuije opines that the construction of a new bridge is not a political scheme but a human intervention which has the possibility of saving lives which otherwise will be endangered. The MP also hailed residents in the community for their interim involvement; the creation of a makeshift bridge even before the intervention of government.

He said, “Over the years, the community guys, the carpenters have provided this bridge over it, which is the wooden bridge, they have been maintaining it. Six months ago after another rain, I supported them so that we could construct another bridge so I don’t know about the politics in that because it’s a needed infrastructure which needs to be in place and I am very happy that it is going to happen.”

“So if we cut the sod on Thursday to construct the bridge, then I welcome it, it’s good news and I am looking forward for it to happen. People from both communities should be rest assured that something good will come out of the whole situation,” Oko Vanderpuije said.



Days after an outpour destroyed the floating bridge, residents in the community have created a makeshift bridge made up of pallet wood and supported with car tyres laid across a choked and filthy Chemu lagoon.

The Chemu bridge currently connects residents of Chorkor and Shiabu to other environs.