The Tema West Municipal Assembly has begun construction works on a footbridge in Borteyman.
This comes after a JoyNews report revealed that children as young as five years in the area crossed the large storm drain in a series of flying leaps.
The wooden bridge that linked the two areas collapsed two years ago. This compelled the pupils to step on rocks in the stream to get to the other side of the town to access formal education.
JoyNews’ Kojo Brace in his report revealed that at least three children have drowned in the stream due to the unavailability of a bridge.
Struck by the report, the Tema West Municipal Assembly decided to construct a footbridge over the stream to avert further drowning incidents.
Speaking to JoyNews, the Municipal Chief Executive, Anna Adukwei Addo, said her outfit had initially planned to construct a wooden bridge as a short-term measure.
However, she noted that a concrete bridge is more sustainable and safe.
“The municipal engineers advised that we do undertake a permanent solution so we decided to construct a concrete footbridge for the community.
“We have a 25-span footbridge with a three-meter access ramp, we decided not to use steps because we have to provide for persons with disability,” she told JoyNews’ Kojo Brace.
Madam Addo further envisaged that the project will be ready before schools reopen in September.
“We have done 12 days so far and this is the development so far. But it is not ready yet, the concrete is still curing.
“We are envisaging that it will be done in the first week of September,” she noted.
