Residents of the Gurugu Electoral Area in the Sagnarigu Municipality of the Northern Region are raising concerns over the worsening condition of the road connecting Jisonayili to the Tamale-Bolgatanga Highway and Gurugu-Kumbungu.
They report that the road’s deteriorating state is making commuting increasingly difficult, causing significant inconvenience for both road users and businesses along the route. The residents also highlight how the poor road conditions, coupled with frequent flooding during heavy rains, are damaging properties in the area.
They further accuse city authorities of neglecting repairs and permitting construction on waterways, which they say has worsened the situation.
Speaking to MX24 News, the Assemblyman for the Gurugu Electoral Area, Alhassan Ilaisu, highlighted the dangers of using the route, particularly at night. He noted that accidents occur daily on this stretch, further complicating access to emergency services.
He expressed frustration that numerous complaints to the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly and the Urban Roads Authority have yielded no results.
“The MCE and Coordinating Director both use this road and are fully aware of the challenges. The Urban Roads Authority is located just nearby, so they are well aware of the deteriorating state of the road, yet they are doing nothing. We witness accidents daily, leading to injuries, vehicle damage, and more,” he stated.
The Assemblyman also lamented the consistent flooding in the area due to the road’s inability to allow proper water drainage during rains, causing deep erosion.
He questioned whether the residents of his constituency were not Ghanaians deserving of their fair share of national development. Mr. Ilaisu warned that he and his constituents would boycott the 2024 elections if the road problem is not addressed.
“Gurugu Electoral Area is the second largest in the Sagnarigu Municipality and a key determinant in election outcomes in the constituency. If this road is not fixed before the elections, as the Assemblyman of the area, I will lead a protest and urge my people not to vote, and I assure you, it will happen,” he asserted.
Abdulai Yussif, who owns an agrochemical shop in the area, lamented the decrease in sales due to the worst portion of the road being located right in front of his shop, scaring customers away. He noted that nearly all shops along the route are forced to close whenever it rains due to flooding.
Another resident, Akwrofie Kojo, blamed the engineers and supervisors responsible for the road’s construction. He argued that poor oversight of government contracts and projects allows contractors to deliver substandard work at the expense of taxpayers.
Source: Simon Unyan N/R Content Manager
