Delay in Kaneshie Footbridge Repairs Due to Structural Damage – Mayor
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has defended the delay in the rehabilitation of the Kaneshie pedestrian footbridge.
He attributed the setback to the discovery of extensive structural deterioration and ongoing works under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project.
The footbridge was closed to pedestrian traffic in April after authorities identified safety concerns and announced that repairs would be completed within a month. However, with the deadline missed, concerns have grown among commuters and residents who depend on the facility for safe passage across the busy highway.
Speaking on the issue, Mr. Allotey explained that a detailed assessment conducted after preparations for the rehabilitation began revealed that the bridge had suffered severe deterioration over the years.
According to the Mayor, the structure had become heavily rusted, making the rehabilitation process more complex than initially anticipated. He noted that city authorities could not ignore the safety risks posed by the bridge and decided to close it immediately to prevent a possible tragedy.
Mr. Allotey stressed that his administration prefers taking preventive action rather than waiting for an accident to occur before intervening.
He further disclosed that the ongoing GARID Project has also affected plans to repair the footbridge. According to him, aspects of the drainage and infrastructure works being undertaken under the project will pass beneath and around the bridge, making it necessary to coordinate both projects to avoid duplication of work and additional costs.
The Mayor indicated that discussions are ongoing with officials responsible for the GARID project to accelerate their activities in the area, after which rehabilitation works on the bridge can proceed without interruption.
He assured residents that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly remains committed to restoring the bridge and ensuring that it is safe for public use before reopening it.
In the meantime, the Mayor appealed to commuters to exercise patience and cooperate with authorities. He revealed that personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly have been stationed at the site to prevent pedestrians from using the closed bridge and to direct them to safer crossing points.
Mr. Allotey reiterated that the safety of residents remains the Assembly’s top priority, emphasizing that no effort will be spared in ensuring that the Kaneshie footbridge is rehabilitated to the required standard before it is reopened to the public.
