The stall in the construction of the first-ever interchange in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis - PTC Interchange - in the Western Region has put commuters in the twin - city under a great deal of pressure especially during the morning and evening rush hours.

In order to avoid the long tailbacks, commuters will either have to wake up early in the morning or wait after the rush hour dies down before proceeding to the Central Business District of Takoradi. To many, this new way of life is affecting productivity.

Sadly, a good number of the detour routes that could have soaked the pressure have all been left in a deplorable state.

Roads in the Effia Constituency serve as a strategic swerve away from the heavy traffic in the mornings and evenings. Therefore, it will relieve many commuters of the burden of sitting in traffic if these strategic routes are in good condition.

It is for this singular reason that residents in the Effia Constituency and other commuters are applauding Member of Parliament Joseph Cudjoe for his commitment to see to the rehabilitation of all detour roads in his constituency.

Asphalting of some roads that will help ease the burden on the Effia Nkwanta and the Fijai to Pipe Ano main roads road has begun in earnest.

The Frafra lane, State Housing to Cobbah Yalley, and Nana Brempong Yaw Junction to Mrs Cudjoe roads have all been asphalted.

Drainage works on the CDH road are all but completed and waiting for asphalting.

According to an aide of MP Emmanuel Opare, the Police Park to No.9 road is one that Joseph Cudjoe is “pulling all strings to get done considering how important that link is.”

Michael Ansah, who runs a taxi at the bus stop around the Effiakuma branch of Lower Pra Rural Bank said: “I have seen that some roads have been asphalted. It is good because it will improve our travelling time and enable us to do more trips.”

“Now I don’t have to worry too much about the traffic on the Effia Nkwanta road because I can use the road behind Wamco 2, connect the one around the EKMA office, use the Cobbah Yalley road and continue through Windy Ridge to Takoradi,” Francis Ntim a boutique owner at Takoradi CBD said

For Akwasi Yeboah he is elated that, “the lighting system on some of the roads have received major improvements. It was a nightmarish experience driving on the road around Wamco 2, OKatakyie Hotel through to the EKMA office. Now, we have street lights on them through the able leadership of our MP Joseph Cudjoe.”

For taxi drivers at the Effiakuma traffic light, their humble plea is for the road leading to the Police Quarters to be rehabilitated.

In an interview with ConnectNews, Joseph Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Effia revealed KINGSPOK has been awarded a contract to do five kilometres of asphalt overlay on selected roads.

“Frafra Line through Patience Corner Bar to link the No.9 road was done earlier. The State Housing Road has been followed and done, Mrs Cudjoe to Lower Pra will be done, Effiakuma Zongo Night Market to Chicago is expected to be done.”

According to him “this new contract with KINGSPOK is different from the ASABEA road contracts which is tackling the CDH Road, East TANOKROM, Top Ridge Road, TTI Staff Road, Koobi Bar Road among others.”