DEADLY TRAP AT ABOFOUR: Two Filling Stations Blamed For Dangerous Potholes Near New Market – Residents Cry For Help
ABOFOUR – OFFINSO MUNICIPALITY, ASHANTI REGION
Fear and anger are gripping drivers and residents at Abofour in the Offinso Municipal following the emergence of a dangerous road hazard directly in front of Unicorn and Pacific Filling Stations, adjacent to the Abofour New Market.
What residents describe as a death trap has developed on the busy Kumasi – Abofour – Techiman highway, at the exact point where vehicles entering Abofour township meet those coming from Kumasi.
The danger, according to drivers and opinion leaders, is being caused by the two filling stations which have failed to construct proper gutters and drainage systems to channel rainwater and wastewater from their premises.
As a result, water from the stations floods onto the main highway, washing away the bitumen and creating very large, deep potholes that have become almost invisible when filled with rainwater.
Unsuspecting drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the stretch, run into the pits, bursting tyres and nearly causing fatal accidents.
Commercial drivers who spoke to this Noble News said the situation has become unbearable.
They recounted several incidents where vehicles have been damaged and passengers left stranded.
Traders at the New Market also say pedestrians, including market women and school children, are at great risk.
Opinion leaders in the community say they are disappointed that key stakeholders who ply the road daily have remained silent, security agencies, traditional authorities and politicians, all of whom use the road, but have failed to respond to the emergency calls from residents.
They are therefore making a passionate appeal to the Ghana Highway Authority, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Offinso South Municipality Assembly to as a matter of urgency intervene.
According to them, the Highway Authority must immediately rehabilitate the deteriorated portion of the road while compelling Unicorn and Pacific Filling Stations to construct standard concrete drains to ensure free flow of water.
They also want the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to intervene and ensure the stations comply with safety and environmental standards required of fuel stations sited along major highways.
Residents warn that if nothing is done within the shortest possible time, the situation could claim lives, adding that they may be forced to take action themselves to prevent the filling stations from operating until the right thing is done.
They are calling on the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to treat the situation at Abofour as an emergency before disaster strikes.
