Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah has repeatedly promised to fix faulty streetlights on several roads, but has failed to act on the concerns raised.
Speaking to Austin Woode on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Mr Samuel said the GPRTU has consistently raised concerns about non-functioning streetlights with the relevant authorities, including municipal assemblies, engineers and the Roads Minister.
He said despite the complaints and assurances from authorities that the problems would be addressed, many of the affected areas remain without functioning streetlights.
“We put all these challenges before them. They will give you a promise that it will be fixed. However, they will go and they will just forget about it.
It’s not like we are silent on it. We have been complaining to them that most of the areas, the streetlights are not working,” he said.
According to Samuel, the failure to fix the streetlights poses a danger to both motorists and pedestrians, particularly at night.
He said poor visibility on some roads makes it difficult for drivers to identify hazards, while the absence of streetlights can contribute to accidents.
“So the issue of streetlights is causing a lot of danger to pedestrians and the road and the drivers as well. And that is causing more accidents,” he said.
Mr. Amoah cited several areas where streetlights are either not functioning or are absent, including the road from Awoshie, Barnyard, Weija, , Tema motorway roundabout, Odorkor area, Kole- Bu, Sakaman Road and Achimota-Ofankor Road.
He also raised concerns about the condition of some of the roads, particularly the presence of potholes, which he said can become more dangerous at night when there is inadequate lighting.
“The road too is very, bad. No streetlights,” he said.
Mr. Amoah said the concerns have been raised repeatedly and that the GPRTU has not remained silent on the issue.
“We have been complaining. But yet, they will not go and do it,” he said.
He further argued that while drivers may sometimes be blamed when accidents occur, the government also has a responsibility to ensure that road infrastructure, including streetlights, is properly maintained.
“But meanwhile, the government also has a role to play. So it’s not like we are silent on it. We have been complaining. But, you know, they will tell you to go and fix it,” he said.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayeson
