Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West Constituency and Minister of Communications, Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekuful has constructed a floating bridge for residents of the Shiabu township with support from the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI).
The floating bridge, which was constructed over the Chemu lagoon, is to replace an old one constructed by some residents of community, who charge 20pesewas per individual for bridge usage.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the bridge, the MP said the specially designed bridge was not the conventional bridge residents were used to but an improved one adapted with the seasons.
Addressing the fears of community members about the stability of the bridge during the raining season, Mrs. Ursla Owusu said: “This floating bridge has been specially designed to be perfectly safe during the dry and rainy seasons. When the water levels rise during the rainy season, the bridge will not be submerged but will also rise with the water. The barrels placed beneath the bridge will serve as a vacuum and always push the bridge above water levels should the lagoon overflow. The water can never rise above the bridge.”
The Minister of Communication went on to charge residents along and around the lagoon to properly dispose of their waste and desist from dumping refuse into the lagoon
Minister of MESTI, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng also added that the bridge was designed to block waste materials dumped into the lagoon from flowing past the bridge.
“This bridge is specially designed to block waste materials and any other forms of plastic from drifting beyond the bridge. All waste materials will be blocked from flowing to the opposite direction and will be collected by waste management officials. This will help keep the lagoon clean and prevent it from being chocked with refuse.”
With its mandate of engaging listeners in its production process, the Happy Morning Show, aired on Happy 98.9FM received a report from residents of Shiabu about their unsafe bridge and championed the cause which has seen to the construction of a floating bridge for residents around the Chemu lagoon.
Commenting on the development the Happy Morning Show has brought about, Programmes Manager of Happy 98.9FM Mr. Emmanuel Akrumah said, “This is what radio is meant to achive. Radio ought to be a voice for the voiceless and bring about development. It ought to bring about the change we all need.”
You can also advocate for change and development in your community. For your voice to be heard, you can join us each and every other weekday between the hours of 5:30am to 9:00am on Happy 98.9FM as we bring to you the refreshing Happy Morning Show. Happy times are here.
By: Joel Sanco
