While most fishing harbours serve as a source of tourist attraction in the country, the Kpong fishing harbour located in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality in the Eastern region of Ghana is facing an imminent disaster.
The fishing harbour which was constructed in the year 1872 by the Volta River Authority (V.R.A) has been neglected for long and due attention is needed to save it from imminent and total collapse. A visit to the harbour has revealed that, the road leading to the fishing harbor is in a total mess, making it difficult for cars and patrons who want to visit the harbor not being able to do so due to the bad nature of the road.
A bridge alleged to have been constructed by the V.R.A had also been destroyed by erosion leaving a small path only.
In an interview with Rite FM’s news, Madam Grace who happens to be the women’s leader of the fishmongers in the area said that, the poor road network has not only slowed down their businesses but had rather destroyed the entire fishing industry in the area.
She noted that for the past 8 years the harbour had not seen any development, adding that the authorities reacted angrily whenever they confronted them over their challenges. She stated further that, they are tired over the authorities negligence as the collapse of the bridge has resulted in an accident claiming the lives of two victims.
She revealed that the former Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Michael Teye Nyaunu was about to construct the road when the V.R.A authorities stopped him. Not only has the poor nature of the road affected the facility, but rather the harbour has also been turned into a refuse dump hence making it harmful for the fishmongers around.
Madam Grace further stated that, the assemblyman for the Zongo electoral area, is aware of these challenges but he has turned a blind eye to their predicament and has therefore called on authorities to come to their aid.
Meanwhile, Rite News spoke to the assembly member for the area Mr. Siba Alhassan and he indicated that, he had received several of similar complaints from most of the women who sell at the harbor and had therefore promised to call on authorities for the needed attention.
Source: Rite Fm News Room
