By – Sadat Dabo 

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for West Mamprusi Municipality in the North East Region, Mohammed Rabiyu Jabaah, has announced plans to intensify efforts to decongest the Walewale township, particularly its overcrowded central market and principal road, following a fatal accident that claimed lives this year

The planned intervention will target roadside trading, indiscriminate parking, commercial vehicle loading and the activities of heavy-duty trucks along the municipality’s busy main road

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GBC URA Radio’s Sadat Dabo, Mr Jabaah said the Assembly was determined to reclaim pedestrian walkways and restore order on the streets to prevent further road accidents

He said the recent accident, which occurred in October, had reinforced the urgent need for decisive action to protect traders, pedestrians, motorists and other road users

“We cannot continue to jeopardise the lives of the people of Walewale to the detriment of people who want to do business. Their lives are also as important as their livelihoods,” the MCE stressed

He explained that some traders had extended their businesses onto pedestrian pavements, forcing pedestrians to compete with vehicles for space on the main road

Under the planned decongestion exercise, traders occupying pedestrian walkways will be required to move behind the gutters to create space for pedestrians

The Assembly will also redirect commercial vehicles loading passengers along the main road into designated stations to ease traffic congestion

Mr Jabaah further disclosed that heavy-duty trucks would no longer be allowed to park along the main road to unload goods. Instead, they would be required to use the designated heavy-truck station, from where goods could be transported to shops using motor kings and tricycles

He said the Assembly also intends to clear and desilt two major gutters along the affected streets within the next one to two weeks

New 24-hour economy market to absorb traders

On the congestion at the Walewale Central Market, the MCE said the government’s ongoing 24-hour economy market project was expected to provide a lasting solution to the growing pressure on the existing market

According to him, construction of the new market is progressing, and the Assembly intends to relocate most traders currently operating in the old market once the facility is completed

He said the new market would provide more space and improved facilities for traders to conduct their businesses in a more organised environment

The MCE believes the relocation, coupled with the planned street decongestion exercise, will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce the risks associated with commercial activities along the main road

Assembly prioritises safety over commercial convenience

Mr Jabaah maintained that the Assembly was not seeking to deprive residents of their sources of livelihood but wanted to ensure that commercial activities did not endanger human lives

He said the objective was to create an environment where traders could operate safely while pedestrians and motorists enjoyed unrestricted access to the roads

The MCE’s announcement comes amid growing concerns over the congestion of Walewale’s commercial centre and the safety of residents who conduct business along the busy transport corridor

He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to opening up more access roads within the municipality to reduce pressure on the main road and make Walewale safer and more accessible

Source – gbcuraonline.com