The Chairman of the Tanker Drivers Union, George Teye Nyaunu, has expressed concern over the poor state of roads used by tanker trucks, warning that the deteriorating conditions pose significant safety risks due to the highly inflammable products the vehicles transport.
Speaking on EBAANOSEN with Ohene Kennah, the Chairman stressed that while tanker trucks require good roads to ensure the safe movement of petroleum products, there are no roads designated exclusively for heavy-duty vehicles, as all roads are shared by every category of road user.
He identified several roads in the Tema and Ashaiman areas, including those around the GTP Roundabout, Poum Junction and Poum Barrier, as being in a deplorable condition.
According to him, during the previous NPP administration, then Roads Minister Hon. Amoako Atta awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of these roads with the expectation that the projects would be completed within two years. However, he claimed the projects remained unfinished after nearly eight years.
The Union Chairman further stated that by the time the NDC administration assumed office under Roads and Highways Minister Hon. Kwame Agbodza, the roads had deteriorated even further. He revealed that he subsequently wrote to the Minister outlining the urgent challenges and later sent a reminder, but said the concerns have yet to be addressed despite assurances that action would be taken.
He appealed to the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of the affected roads to improve safety for tanker drivers and all road users.
By: Ernest Kumi|Planbfmonline.com
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