Killer Bridge Ills Boy 15, Injures Several Residents

Residents of Santa Maria Last Stop in the Greater Accra Region last Sunday woke up to the disturbing news of the death of a 15-year-old boy who had attempted to cross the Lafa River which passes though the area. To their surprise, another resident who is also a reporter with this paper, Mr. Koryekpor Awlesu Freeman, who had attempted crossing the river, was also nearly drowned by the fast running water of the river. The situation, Today understands, has led to a simmering tension between residents of Santa-Maria Last Stop and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, over her alleged delay in releasing money for the completion of a foot-bridge on the Lafa River, which has continually served as a source of worry for the residents, especially during the raining season. A wooden bridge which they claimed had deliberately been demolished by the contractor of the project on the orders of officials of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has been the cause of the many disasters on the river. Residents also pointed accusing fingers at the officials of Ga South Municipal Assembly whom they believe facilitated the demolishing of the bridge without calling on the MP of the area to release funds for the completion of a concrete bridge being constructed for the same purpose. The Assembly Member for Kotoshie Electoral Area of Ga South, Mr. William Otopah, confirmed the demolishing of the wooden foot-bridge, but denied complicity in the demolishing exercise. He pointed out that the exercise was ordered by the officials of the AMA with the supreme support of the contractor, Mr. Achwek. �My brother I would like to make it clear to you that I was not even available at the time the contractor came to the area with bull dozers to embark on the exercise.� Mr. Otopah assured his outfit�s unflinching support to the people in the area, saying that contingency measures have been put in place to get the funds to complete the project to avert further calamities.