Drivers and traders at the Kumasi Central Market’s Dr. Mensah section are pleading with city authorities to repair a pit that is fast spreading on a significant stretch of road.
Commuters are concerned about the threat and danger posed by the pit, and they warn that the lives of drivers and traders who frequent the area are at jeopardy.
The portion, which depicts a typical abandoned mining pit, began as a small hole that grew on the main thoroughfare of the Kumasi Central Market’s Dr. Mensah district.
The market area where the pit is being built is a very active trading location where drivers, traders, and commuters battle for space on a regular basis.
Yaa Agyeiwaa, a vendor in that section of the central market, described how a passenger who was unaware of the pit fell into it.
She said, “It was one afternoon on a Wednesday when we noticed that a portion of the area was caving in. I told my colleague here about what I saw, and he also called the driver whose vehicle was parked there. Just as he moved the vehicle, it caved in. Passersby have been complaining about how scary the pit is. One commuter fell into the pit the other day, and I had to call people around to help bring him out.”
The pit area is also where taxi drivers operate and transport customers to various sections of the Kumasi metropolis.
The drivers have accused the city of turning a blind eye to the issue.
Baah Wiredu, one of the drivers, told Citi News,
“The authorities will wait until there is a disaster before they come around. This is not what we are looking for. We as drivers have made efforts to draw the attention of authorities. Someone called the KMA Boss, but he told us it was the duty of Urban Roads to fix this. But he could have used his office to get the right people to do it. The authorities are only interested in getting our votes during elections, and when they are voted for, they forget. We want them to come and fix this for us.”
Passengers that pick up vehicles at this station are also concerned about the situation.
Afia Agyemang, a first-time customer of that section of the market, was stunned by what she witnessed.
“I was very shocked to see the pit. I was so scared too. Imagine it rains and the place is filled with water. People who are not aware will easily drown. The authorities must be swift in fixing it,” she appealed.
Officials from the Urban Roads Department acknowledged to Citi News that the incident was brought to their attention and that actions are being taken to repair the crater.
However, traders and drivers want this done right away to avoid a disaster. possible disaster.
