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By Essoun Mary
Winneba, June 19, 2026. Residents of the Kokobim area in Winneba are expressing concern over two damaged bridges that have disrupted transportation and daily activities following recent heavy rainfall. The damaged structures have made travel difficult for motorists, pedestrians, and schoolchildren, while raising fears about public safety.
One of the affected structures is a roadside bridge along a busy road in Kokobim, where part of the road has been washed away by floodwaters. The damage has narrowed the road and created a dangerous situation for drivers and pedestrians. The second structure is a pedestrian bridge used mainly by pupils of Fishing Shepherd Academy, which has completely collapsed, forcing students and parents to take longer routes to school.
Residents say the damaged roadside bridge has become a major concern for people who use the road daily. Although traffic appeared light on Saturday when I visited the area, residents explained that the situation becomes worse during weekdays, especially in the afternoons when many vehicles are returning from work and school.
According to some motorists and pedestrians interviewed, the damaged section of the road poses a serious risk to road users. They noted that many drivers have begun using alternative routes to avoid the area. However, these routes are longer and often increase travel time.
“It is very scary for us to use this road,” one resident said. “Many drivers now prefer using other roads, but that causes delays and traffic congestion elsewhere.”
The collapse of the pedestrian bridge has also created difficulties for families living near Visionsharpen International School. The bridge previously served as the shortest route for students attending the school. However, after being weakened by heavy rainfall, the structure gave way, making it unsafe for use.
A parent whom I spoke with said that the situation has placed an additional burden on families. According to her, many parents can no longer allow their children to walk to school on their own because of the collapsed bridge and the longer alternative route.
“We cannot leave our children to go alone,” she explained. “We have to stop what we are doing and accompany them to school, or they must walk a much longer distance.”
Residents are therefore calling on the relevant authorities to urgently assess the damage and undertake repair works before the situation worsens, especially as the rainy season continues.
The damaged roadside bridge at Kokobim and the collapsed pedestrian bridge near Visonsharpen International School highlighted the impact of heavy rainfall on local infrastructure in Winneba. Residents fear that without immediate intervention, the situation could lead to accidents, increased traffic congestion, and further hardship for schoolchildren and their families. They are appealing to local authorities to act quickly to restore safe movement within the community.
EDITORIAL STAFF
Reporters (Precious Baah, Frederick Ajuik, Margaret Mireku -Appiah , Florence Eshun, Mary Essoun, Mariam HammondNaadei, Justina Damoah Paddy, Rita Ayorkor)
Editor-in-chief: Nabila Priscilla
Assistant Editor: Margaret Mireku-Appiah
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