Several communities in the Upper West Region have been cut off from critical services and economic centers after multiple bridges collapsed in the Wa West District following a torrential downpour on July 12. The damage has disrupted transportation along the Varimpere-Lassie route—one of the district’s most vital corridors—halting access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Local officials and residents say at least three key bridges failed during the storm, severing the main artery that connects outlying towns to the district capital, Wechiau. Temporary bypasses have been constructed to provide limited access, but authorities warn that the stopgap measures may not hold if further rains continue in the coming days.
“This is a major road. About 80% of travelers entering Wa West use this route. It connects three major market centers,” said Ziembo Annetus Dery, Assembly Member for the Varimpere Electoral Area, in an interview with Channel One News. “The people are suffering. We are calling on the government and the Ministry of Roads to intervene immediately.”
District Chief Executive Richard Wullo confirmed the extent of the damage and said the local assembly has deployed engineers to assess the site. He noted that the district is working closely with national agencies to expedite reconstruction efforts.
The collapse has already begun to take a toll on local livelihoods. Farmers, traders, and transport operators who depend on the route to reach markets and deliver goods say the situation is worsening by the day.
“Our road has not been in good shape for years, and now with the bridge gone, it's become nearly impossible to get through,” said Jacob Donyi, a local motorist. “We are pleading with the government to prioritize repairs.”
Liman Sabogor, a farmer from a nearby community, said the broken infrastructure has cut off access to farmlands, affecting food production and income. “We’re not just losing access—we’re losing our way of life,” he said.
Another resident, Daari Adams, voiced long-standing frustrations. “Even before the bridge collapsed, the road was barely usable. Now it’s completely impassable.”
Local authorities are calling on the Ministry of Roads and Highways to declare the situation an emergency and expedite funding and materials for full-scale reconstruction. With more rainfall expected, the urgency to restore access is growing.
