The Need for Bridge Construction in Ghana: The Challenges and Opportunities

Construction of bridges is a significant means of expansion in road infrastructure. This is because they are also instrumental in improving connectivity and accessibility within communities as well as among them. Bridge construction involves the process of building new bridges, e.g., overpasses and underpasses, or replacing old ones to improve traffic flow and safety conditions. As such, bridge construction is an essential component of road infrastructure that enables traffic from one point to another by spanning a physical gap or a barrier such as a river or valley. The importance and function of bridges have been increasing in recent times but remains unaddressed in Ghana. There are many challenges associated with bridge construction in Ghana including high cost of land, insufficient funding, shortage of professional engineers and technicians with appropriate expertise, regulatory framework on construction standard and codes, nonexistent zoning regulations for development near water bodies, poor maintenance of existing bridges etc. Therefore this article explains the need for bridge construction in the country covering the challenges and opportunities for growth in this sector

Why Bridge Construction is Important?

The importance of bridge construction and its essentiality in the economic and social development of a nation cannot be overemphasized. The major reasons for the importance and significance of bridge construction are as follows: • It is a mode of transportation that links one area to another. • It facilitates trade, commerce and tourism in a given area. • It promotes accessibility and connectivity between communities, e.g., • It enhances access to hospitals, schools and other social amenities. • It provides safety and security to the public by reducing car accidents and fatalities. • It reduces the cost of transportation and facilitates the movement of people and goods. • It reduces carbon emissions and protects the environment.

The Need for Bridge Reconstruction in Ghana

As stated previously, bridge construction extends the life of existing bridges that have been constructed and are in operation. Bridge reconstruction is, therefore, the process of replacing an old and worn-out bridge with a new one. In Ghana, this is important because a large percentage of the country’s bridges are over 35 years old and in need of replacement. Most of the bridges in the country are in a state of disrepair and require urgent reconstruction. The state of the country’s bridge network is attributed to the fact that there has been a dearth of investment in bridge construction in Ghana over the past decades. The following table gives a summary of the state of the country’s bridge network.

Challenges to Bridge Construction in Ghana

Bridge construction is a capital-intensive project with huge financial implications. This makes it necessary to select the right contractors who have the capacity to handle the project and whose reputation is not in doubt. The following are some of the challenges faced by contractors in this industry. - Limited funding: There has never been enough funding to support the construction of new bridges or the reconstruction of existing bridges. - Lack of requisite skills and technical expertise: There is a shortage of qualified engineers, architects and technicians with expertise in bridge construction and designing. Contractors have been unable to meet the demand for such skills. - Regulatory framework on construction standard and codes: The lack of a clear regulatory framework on construction standards and codes applicable for the design and construction of bridges has led to the use of sub-standard materials during bridge construction. - Non-existent zoning regulations for development near water bodies: In the absence of zoning regulations for buildings and other structures near water bodies, buildings are being erected very close to the banks of rivers. This has led to the formation of silt that clogs the flow of water in the rivers, causing floods. - Poor maintenance of existing bridges: The lack of maintenance of existing bridges has led to their failing earlier than expected and needing to be shut down for repair.

Opportunities to Bridge Construction in Ghana

The opportunities for bridge construction in Ghana are many given its significance and essentiality in road infrastructure. It is important for the government to take steps to exploit this sector and make it grow. Some of these include the following. - There is need for government to invest more in the construction of new bridges and the reconstruction of existing ones. - The government should clear the regulatory framework on construction standards and codes to facilitate the construction of safer bridges using modern technology and materials. - There is need to enforce zoning regulations for development near water bodies to prevent the formation of silt and flooding which affects the movement of people and goods. - The government should ensure that existing bridges are in good condition and are suitably maintained to extend their lifespan.

Conclusion

Bridge construction is an important sector in the construction industry that facilitates the movement of people and goods. The sector also creates employment opportunities and contributes significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The government and other stakeholders in the industry must take steps to exploit the sector and make it grow. They must also invest in the construction of new bridges and the reconstruction of existing ones.