The Kambaa Bridge which connects the Nandom and Lawra Municipalities in the Upper West Region was submerged following a heavy rainfall which began on Sunday night, October 6, 2024 and ended after midday on Monday, October 7, 2024.
The old Kambaa bridge which was constructed over five decades ago was completely covered by water.
The new bridge, which was completed about two months ago and is yet to be opened to traffic is also partly submerged leaving road users stranded on both sides of the bridge.
Lamin Iddris, a long truck driver explained that he and many other drivers have been stuck at Kamba since Tuesday because of the nature of the road.
“I arrived here on Tuesday dawn from Mali but could not cross because the road was flooded and so we had to stay here until the water level goes down before we can continue our journey. But from what we see, the water level does not seem to be receding” he said.
Mr. Lamin further added that there was no food or potable water nearby and passengers and drivers were hungry and thirsty.
“There is no food or water for us here. We are hungry and thirsty. We are pleading with the police to allow motorists, tricycles, passenger vehicles and other smaller car owners to be allowed to cross to the other side using the new bridge since it is accessible. We understand the new bridge has not been commissioned and opened to traffic but at least, the motorist and other smaller vehicles can cross safely. We those with the heavy vehicles can wait until later.”
A market woman who spoke on condition of anonymity wished she could be allowed to cross and proceed to Lawra since she is using a tricycle.
“I am going to Lawra to sell. The people of Lawra are celebrating their annual Kobine festival and so, I am on my way to Lawra but currently stuck here because the police say no one is allowed to cross using the new bridge” she said.
Albert Songmeh, a native from Lawra explained that he decided to come and see for himself after seeing pictures and videos of the Kambaa flooding on social media.
“I saw pictures and videos of our powerful Kambaa bridge flooding and decided to come and see for myself. I came from Lawra and to have firsthand information of the situation.”
At the time of filling this story, there were 52 long trucks, 4 passenger vehicles and 3 private vehicles parked at the Police checkpoint at Kambaa.
