Editorial
Clear the ‘death traps’ on our roads
Dear Editor,
As we leave our homes to our workplaces, markets, schools, churches and other places, we all hope and pray that we return home safely, considering the number of road carnages that we witness or hear about each and every passing day.
Most of these road crashes that often claim human lives and live others amputated are often caused by the disregard to road safety rules and regulations.
Sometimes, one is tempted to ask whether laws work in this country as drivers still drink and drive, engage in unnecessary overtaking, comfortably speak on phones while driving with commuters also carelessly crossing roads and highways at unapproved places.
It would be unfair to say that authorities mandated to ensure the compliance of road safety rules and regulations, such as the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has not done enough to address the issue. They are doing their best.
They have taken initiatives such as TansportGhana, an ICT interface that would facilitate the licensing and registration of road transport services.
However, one of the issues that I think had not been looked at when it came to road safety is the number of rickety cars that ply our roads on a daily basis. I often refer to such cars as ‘death traps.’
That contribute to the growing number of road carnages in the country.
Many of these ‘death traps’ are found at various lorry stations. I have had some bad experiences sitting in these ‘death traps’, which have dilapidated seats with protruding sharp edges, and corroded body frames.
Sitting in such cars become a concern for passengers when it rains as they leak badly.
I have also witnessed a passenger whom I was on board with in one of these cars from Madina sustain a deep cut by the protruding sharp edge. I therefore think it is about time these ‘death traps’ are taken off our roads.
As a concerned citizen, I implore the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Authority (DVLA) to check the road worthiness of cars that ply our roads before issuing license to drivers, and also collaborate with the NRSA and the police service to clamp down on influx of rickety cars.
Joojo Yawson,
Nungua
Dear Editor,
I have witnessed a very dangerous practice by some food vendors who use stones and other heavy objects as weights on leaking gas cylinders.
This is very disturbing. Despite repeated warnings from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), many vendors continue to ignore the risks associated with such practices without considering the danger they pose to people nearby in the event of an explosion.
Many food vendors operate close to fuel filling stations, increasing the possibility of a major disaster if leaking gas ignites during heavy rainfall.
Ghana cannot afford another tragedy like the June 3 disaster, when torrential rains and a massive explosion at the GOIL fuel station near the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange claimed more than 150 lives.
It is unfortunate that some vendors still use unsafe and damaged gas cylinders instead of replacing them. Covering leaking cylinders with stones is not a solution and only exposes lives and property to danger.
On one occasion, I tried to educate a food vendor around my area who had used a stone to cover her gas cylinder on the danger of her action but ended up getting the insult of my life.
I would therefore like to appeal to all relevant stakeholders, especially the GNFS and other security agencies, to intensify public education and enforce safety regulations.
Authorities should ensure that vendors who engage in such dangerous practices stop immediately. Faulty gas cylinders should be seized, and users compelled to replace them with safer ones.
Taking these preventive measures will help protect lives and property and prevent the country from experiencing another avoidable tragedy similar to the June 3 disaster.
Timothy,
Abelenkpe
Dear Sir,
I write to express concerns about the flood situation in the capital anytime it rains.
This is an issue that has been thoroughly discussed at various platforms even before the start of the rains, so one expected that we can see some readiness for the season.
However, the kind of floods we are experiencing now are not ones that authorities must sit unconcerned about; there must be action right away.
Places like Adjirigano, Kaneshie, Alajo, Avenor, parts of Kasoa have all seen flood waters risen to unprecedented levels.
Clearly, we have a big problem at hand. It’s either our drains are choked or have become too small. Something must be done about this to avert a much bigger problem.
Christine Amoh,
Odorkor
