TAMA MUST STOP THIS PRACTICE TO PROTECT ROADS (PAGE 29)

IN SPITE of several appeals and concerns raised by residents of Tamale about the washing of cars on the shoulders of major roads in the metropolis, the authorities of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TAMA) seem unconcerned over the growing practice.
This practice eventually not only weakens the asphalt, as a result of the soapy water used on the cars gathering on the roads as well as oil spillage which shortens the lifespan of the roads, exposing both pedestrians and motorists to danger, but also causes the tax- payer several millions of cedis to rehabilitate the damaged roads.
The failure of the TAMA to ensure that car washing bays are properly sited at designated new places is also causing a lot of disorder on the roads.
Owners of private vehicles and taxi drivers wash their cars anyhow on the shoulders of the roads at any available spot they can find water.
A visit to the water works would make any taxpayer weep, as bitumen on the shoulders of the roads at that particular area has slowly been washed away, leaving in its trail bare gravel, as officials of the TAMA look on unconcerned.
The situation at Vittin, just after the African Touch Restaurant, is not different. Water running from a nearby dam is used in washing cars at a junction on the main road with careless abandon.
And because not much attention is being paid to such practices, more vehicle washing bays are opening up along the Kumbungu Road (Filling Point) area and Vittin every day and night.
‘‘It is most unfortunate that people entrusted to ensure sanity in the development of the metropolis in TAMA are looking on unconcerned while these beautiful roads are being destroyed,’’ a teacher, Iddrisu Yushau stated.
‘‘What is even more worrisome is that some of the washing bays are sited along the offices of the TAMA, where the officials pass every day to and from work, yet they pretend not to see what is happening at the bays where cars are washed on the side of the road daily,’’ Mr Gariba Ibrahim, a Media Consultant observed.
Because of the TAMA’s inaction, more people are being encouraged to also wash their cars on the roads by their houses, thus weakening the roads leading to the development of pot holes.
Another area of concern is the springing up of wayside mechanic shops and stalls at every available space along the well laid-out roads.
They include vehicle, motorbike, bicycle repairer and vulcanising shops.
There is, however, an urgent need for the assembly to find immediate solution to this situation which is clearly getting out of hand.