Rampant stealing of metal gratings by alleged scrap dealers across major cities in Ghana is not only a public safety problem but a cost on the nation.
Information from the Department of Urban Roads indicates that the fixing of metal gratings in 15 locations cost over Ghc200.000.00.
A visit to various locations by myjoyonline in Accra revealed that many of these metal covers at various locations in the metropolis have been removed, posing great danger to both pedestrians and motorists.
The Department of Urban Roads as part of its public safety and streets maintenance activities fixes metal gratings on storm drains after construction to allow for desilting and other emergencies.
But these metal covers across all major cities in Ghana are allegedly stolen by scrap dealers for sale.
The situation has compelled the Department of Urban Roads to wage a new war on the perpetrators by engaging the National Security, leading to the arrest of a few suspects.
Nonetheless, the act continues as more metal covers are being stolen.
Disappearance of metal plates covering various storm drains on pedestrian walkways and on some roads within Accra, poses a hazard to all road users.
Madam Adwoa Ansah, a resident of Adabraka who lives close to a bus stop said the perpetrators remove them during the night.
Residents are worried about the situation since some people have fallen into the drains and sustained injuries.
They are calling on city authorities to find better ways to arrest the perpetrators.
In an interview with the Department of Urban Roads Senior Development Engineer, Mr Kofi Nti Appiagyei, he expressed worry about the situation.
He said the Urban Roads is using a two-way approach to stop the practice. He said while they’re relying on the police to apprehend the perpetrators, they’re introducing covers made with composite material that will not attract the perpetrators.
He noted that the covering of open storm drains, underground utility vaults and other drains in the cities serves a useful purpose.
Mr Appiagyei disclosed that Urban Roads is working with a local company to produce the gratings with materials that will save the nation some money.
Ing. Kofi Nti Appiagyei said municipal, district and metropolitan assemblies should be responsible for protecting the covers.
According to him, since the department reached out to the National Security and other relevant stakeholders, some arrests have been made.
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