Encroachment along Pokuase-Nsawam Highway raises road safety concerns at Dobro

Concerns over road safety and the progress of construction works along the Pokuase–Nsawam Highway have resurfaced following the emergence of container shops, sand and chippings businesses, and concrete mixer rental services within a road buffer zone at Dobro in the Eastern Region.

The development comes despite a previous demolition exercise undertaken to remove structures encroaching on the 90-metre road reservation ahead of the highway's construction.

The affected area, particularly the stretch in front of fruit processing company Blue Skies, has become a point of concern, with containers and heavy-duty tipper trucks occupying space between the main highway and the road linking to Dobro.

The activities have raised questions about compliance with road reservation requirements and the enforcement of regulations intended to protect road infrastructure and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

The presence of commercial activities along the narrow stretch could pose significant risks to road users, particularly when heavy-duty trucks enter or exit the roadside businesses.

The movement of these vehicles, coupled with the limited space available, could obstruct traffic and increase the risk of collisions and injuries involving motorists and pedestrians.

Additional concerns have been raised about containers positioned directly beneath high-voltage electricity transmission pylons, potentially exposing people operating within the area to safety risks.

Beyond the immediate dangers, the encroachment could interfere with ongoing road construction by occupying space required for road works and associated infrastructure.

Management of Blue Skies has expressed concern about the situation, warning of its potential implications for road safety, construction activities, factory operations and the company's public image.

The company's Head of Estates, Prince Asimani, says the activities along the stretch require urgent attention from the relevant authorities to prevent possible accidents and other consequences.

According to him, Blue Skies had previously reached an agreement with the chiefs of Dobro to landscape the area. However, the landscaping was destroyed during road construction, leaving the company concerned about the subsequent use of the space for commercial activities.

Management believes the current development requires investigation and appropriate action to ensure the area is used in accordance with applicable road reservation requirements.

The Municipal Assembly has responded to the concerns, assuring that it will take the necessary steps to remove facilities encroaching on the affected areas.

The assurance follows concerns raised by Blue Skies over the presence of container shops, heavy-duty trucks and other commercial activities along the stretch near its factory at Dobro.

The Assembly's response is expected to bring renewed attention to enforcement efforts aimed at protecting the road reservation, improving safety and preventing further encroachment.

Blue Skies says it has written to the Municipal Chief Executive and the Coordinating Director to draw their attention to the situation and seek intervention.

Management is also appealing to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Eastern Regional Minister, the Municipal Assembly, the police and other responsible authorities to ensure the concerns are addressed.

The company is particularly worried that failure to address the situation could expose motorists, pedestrians and prospective customers to danger while undermining efforts to improve road transport along the corridor.

The situation at Dobro has renewed concerns about the sustainability of enforcement measures following the earlier demolition exercise along the Pokuase–Nsawam Highway.

Road reservations are intended to protect space for road infrastructure, improve visibility and support the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The reappearance of commercial activities within the affected stretch has consequently raised questions about monitoring and enforcement to prevent renewed encroachment.

The Municipal Assembly's assurance to remove the encroaching facilities will therefore be crucial in addressing the concerns and ensuring that commercial activities do not compromise public safety or ongoing road construction.