Elmina bridge is a death trap

The Elmina bridge in the Central Region, which serves as the main route from Elmina town to the market centre and other important places, is now a death trap to users, Today newspaper reports.

The bridge is gradually collapsing due to the wearing-away of metal slabs on the bridge plied by more than 800 vehicles and motorcycles each day.

On a recent visit to the bridge, Today’s reporter observed that it is in a dilapidated state that is hampering its role as a primary transport artery connecting one part of town to the other.

On closer examination of the structure of the pillar one can observe that the erect concrete pillars standing in the water and holding up the bridge are weak and that concrete has come off these pillars exposing the corroding iron rods, while other parts of the pillars have developed gaping cracks.

The vehicular portion of the bridge is in the middle flanked by the pedestrian portions on either side of that.

Drivers and pedestrians alike have had reason to complain about the bad state of the bridge and the danger it poses to them, their children and all who use the facility to and fro the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) capital.

Metallic slabs were built on the bridge about a decade or two ago to replace the collapsed concrete floor of the bridge.

Since then the bridge did not see any renovation works until 2009.

In October 2012, two metallic plates were welded into the floor to cover a pot-hole.

The repairs in October, this paper was told, happened after the left leg of a middle-aged woman dropped into a hole while she was walking one of the pedestrian walkways and got injured.

“In fact after this incident, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE,)I.K Sam, promised to ensure the renovation of the [Elmina] before [last] December, but nothing has been done yet…,” said a resident, who gave his name as Anthony.

According to Anthony, the poor state of the bridge forced the closure of the left part which Today noticed has since not been opened for traffic — a situation which is causing increased pressure on the other side which is the pedestrian walkaway.

Built on the Benya Lagoon, the metallic bridge facilitates close to 90% of economic activities in the ancient town and also helps the transportation of tourists to and from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) heritage sites around town.

Though the Regional Head in charge of the St George’s Castle [Elmina Castle,] Mr. Nicholas Ivor, believes the deplorable state of the bridge has not had a direct impact on the activities of the Castle, especially as it records same patronage, he shares the opinion of residents that the bridge should be repaired immediately before the worse happens.

“We have not received any complaints from tourists to the Castle concerning the bridge as Elmina can be approached from two directions, from the Western Region and using the bridge comingfrom the Greater Accra, I still share the opinion and complaints of indigenes [that] it should be repaired immediately…,” Ivor told this paper.

His concern was not different from that expressed by the Concerned Youth of Elmina who also affirmed that “… they would advise themselves on the next line of action if the bridge is not repaired by the Municipal Assembly soon.”