Residents of Kpare and surrounding communities in the Daffiama Bussie Issa District of the Upper West Region have warned politicians and authorities about the continued neglect of some major roads in the area.
According to some residents of these communities, they have been grappling with worsening transportation and health challenges due to the deteriorating roads.
The current predicaments of the communities have triggered the intention not to welcome political campaigns within the enclave.
They say, their plea for a facelift on their roads has yielded no results over the past years. The road connects their community to neighbouring areas, including Kojokperi and Wa. Once a vital route for commerce and transportation, the stretch has become a symbol of neglect, riddled with potholes and erosion that make it nearly impossible for vehicles to traverse.
On Friday, 9th August 2024, residents of Kpare, led by the assembly member, mobilized to fill the gaping holes in the road. They also created diversions around sections of the road that were collapsing.
Speaking exclusively to Upperwestnews,com, Sumaila Haruna, the Unit Committee Chairman of the Kpare/Chala electoral area expressed the collective frustration of the community. “Despite repeated pleas to authorities, no action has been taken on the road. We are therefore urging the public, especially politicians, to refrain from bringing their campaign activities to Kpare ahead of the general elections or risk our wrath.”
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, assembly members, and the Unit committee, Haruna highlighted the dire transportation issues facing the community. “Vehicles can no longer use the road, and it’s affecting every aspect of our lives. The situation is particularly severe when it comes to health, as referral cases to Kojokperi from our clinic are becoming increasingly difficult due to the poor condition of the road.”
A representative of the Tendamba, Angkpalanuba Michael emphasized the broader implications of the current state of the road.
“The bad nature of the road has posed significant challenges to us. This is a major road that needs attention because people from Wa East also use it. We are unable to carry our women in labour to the hospital. A tricycle carrying a woman in labour some time ago even had an accident on the road, which worsened her condition.” He said.
The condition of the road has also affected the local economy, with traders from neighbouring communities like Jolinyiri, Chala, and Kenkelen choosing to bypass Kpare’s market in favour of Bussie Market. This shift has significantly reduced revenue at the Kpare market which further exacerbates the economic struggles of the community.
“We are pleading with the District Chief Executive (DCE) and Member of Parliament (MP) to collaborate and fix our road to reduce the stress it causes us,” Michael added.
Mumuni Seidu Baani, the Assembly Member for the Kpare/Chala electoral area, expressed his deep concern over the bad nature of the road. “People are dodging the potholes, which could result in accidents. If someone is involved in an accident on this road, they could lose a part of their body. We are very concerned because the road affects our lives in so many ways.”
Baani also warned that the road is on the brink of becoming completely impassable. “The road is caving in, and if it continues, it will finally be cut off, and we will not be able to travel to nearby communities. There is another road linking the community to Wa through Bayiri, but it is also in poor shape.”
By Angdomwinenye Abdul-Waris
