Barring any unforeseen circumstances, works on the construction of a bridge across the Chemu canal merging the Ablekuma South and Ablekuma West constituencies at Chorkor will commence by the end of this week.
This was made known by the Chief Executive Officer of the Coastal Development Authority(CODA), Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib when he interacted with the media on Monday, 27th April, 2020. The CEO led a team comprising contractors, consultants and journalists to acquaint themselves with the situation at Chemunaa in the deprived community after a footbridge collapsed and was washed away following a downpour on Sunday.
Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib indicated that, but for the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic which resulted in restriction of movements over the last few weeks, construction of a new bridge would have already started as the Authority had already awarded the contract for the construction of a new bridge made up of a driveway and a pedestrian walkway. The project is expected to be completed in nine months.
Community Engagement
CODA has earmarked the construction of a modern bridge across the Chemu canal which merges two constituencies, Ablekuma South and Ablekuma West through the Old Winneba Road. This is part of Ablekuma South constituency’s allocation of one million dollars for special projects aimed at accelerating economic and social development.
The Authority held two public engagements with the community which involved the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Member of Parliament, traditional leaders, elected officials, youth and other groups within the community to seek their views as part of building consensus for the project.
Temporary Measures
Responding to requests by some members of the community for the construction of a temporary bridge while construction of permanent one by CODA goes on, the CEO implored residents to discard the idea of a temporary footbridge and use a nearby one in the interim while a permanent solution is provided with the construction of the new bridge. He also called on residents to cooperate with the contractor when he comes on site to work.
Lawyer Jerry, as the CEO is affectionately called by residents in the community, also encouraged willing youth in the community to take advantage of income-earning opportunities that come with the construction works.
The Chief of Chorkor, Nii Adote Barima II expressed joy at the swiftness with which CODA officials had responded to the plight of residents since the old footbridge collapsed. He expressed confidence in the CEO, adding that he knew the new bridge would soon be completed since the community leadership had already been engaged on the project and an agreement had already been reached.
