Encroachment on Tema-Mpakadan railway threatens to disrupt deliberate launch in April
The Ghana Railway Authority (GRA) has uncovered alarming infractions alongside the 97-kilometre Tema-Mpakadan railway, together with encroachment by squatters and acts of vandalism that threaten the security and effectivity of the soon-to-be-launched shuttle service.
With the shuttle set to turn into operational subsequent month, officers are racing towards time to resolve these points earlier than the primary prepare rolls out.
Throughout a latest inspection tour, the Appearing Chief Government Officer of the Ghana Railway Authority, Dr. Frederick Apoh, and his staff found vital encroachment alongside the railway hall in areas corresponding to Tema, Ashaiman, Tulaku, and Afienya. Squatters have settled dangerously near the railway, posing security hazards to each themselves and the trains.
The dangers turned starkly evident two weeks in the past when a feminine resident of Ashaiman-Sackey was fatally struck by a prepare. This tragic incident has heightened considerations about the necessity to clear unlawful settlements alongside the railway buffer zone.
Dr. Apoh acknowledged the complexity of addressing the difficulty, stating: “As a part of our medium- to long-term technique, we plan to collaborate with a number of businesses, together with the Tema Improvement Firm, Tema Metropolitan Meeting, and the Ghana Police Service, to hunt cupboard approval for the removing of unlawful settlers. Nonetheless, I don’t anticipate it will occur earlier than the maiden service in April.”
Past encroachment, the inspection staff additionally uncovered extreme vandalism, significantly on the 61-kilometre mark. A number of bolts and nuts securing the rails to concrete beams had been stolen, leaving the tracks dangerously unfastened.
Moreover, buffer stops—essential metallic constructions designed to control prepare pace—have been reduce and stolen, presumably by scrap sellers. These acts of theft considerably compromise railway security.
Dr. Apoh emphasised the urgency of addressing these defects, stating: “We should be sure that all infractions noticed from kilometre one to sixty-five are resolved earlier than the Tema-Mpakadan service begins. In any other case, the probability of an accident is excessive.”
Throughout the inspection, officers encountered a person digging a trench inside the railway’s buffer zone, instantly above buried sign cables. He was promptly cautioned and ordered to refill the ditch to forestall injury to essential railway infrastructure.
Unauthorized entry routes have additionally been created by residents alongside the railway, resulting in sand silting up the drainage system—one other issue that would disrupt clean operations.
Regardless of these challenges, the Tema-Mpakadan shuttle service is predicted to revolutionize transportation alongside the hall, decreasing journey time and boosting financial exercise. Nonetheless, if encroachment and infrastructure injury are usually not successfully addressed, the railway’s long-term viability may very well be in danger.
Because the launch date approaches, the Ghana Railway Authority faces mounting strain to safe the railway, implement laws, and guarantee a secure and environment friendly service for commuters and companies alike.
The publish Encroachment on Tema-Mpakadan railway threatens to disrupt planned launch in April first appeared on 3News.
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