GARID works delay Kaneshie footbridge rehabilitation

Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has explained that the rehabilitation of the footbridges at Kaneshie Market has been delayed due to ongoing construction under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project.

Speaking to Channel One News on Monday, August 3, Allotey said the footbridges form part of the wider GARID drainage works, making it difficult for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to begin repairs before the related construction activities are completed.

He explained that the GARID project team plans to close one side of the road to undertake drainage works, with the Mallam-to-Kaneshie stretch expected to serve as the alternative route during the construction period.

According to the Mayor, discussions with the GARID team suggest that some of the challenges that previously slowed the project have been addressed, allowing construction to resume and progress.

He said the Assembly would not want to rehabilitate the footbridges only for them to be damaged or disrupted by the ongoing drainage works, which could lead to additional and avoidable expenditure.

“At the moment, we are waiting for the GARID workers to complete their work before we begin ours,” Allotey said.

In the meantime, the Mayor assured pedestrians and commuters that measures had been introduced to improve safety while the footbridge rehabilitation remains pending.

He said traffic control personnel would continue to be stationed at the affected footbridge locations every day, including Sundays, to help pedestrians cross the road safely until rehabilitation work begins.