Residents of Pokuase, Katapor at risk of respiratory diseases due to dusty road

The problem is exacerbated by the frequent traffic of tipper trucks carrying sand from nearby quarries, worsening the already deteriorated roads.

Approximately 11 kilometers of road from the Area Council near Pokuase Interchange in Trobu Constituency through Katapor to Dedeimanto Otsirikomfo has been neglected for years. Despite government declarations for improvements in 2024, the situation remains unchanged.

A commercial driver, Daniel Adu, told citinewsroom.com that the situation is impacting negatively on their livelihoods.

“The poor condition of the road affects us greatly. Every three days, we have to go to Abossey Okai because our vehicles keep breaking down. We appeal to the authorities to come to our aid.”

Another resident who also spoke to citinewsroom.com expressed concern about its impact on health.

“The road is in a terrible state. Quarrying should have been halted to complete the road construction. We endure heavy dust, occasionally suppressed by water cannons. The government needs to intervene. We’re suffering, and our health is constantly at risk due to the poor road network.”

Community leader Sepenu Katapor, in an interview with citinewsroom, appealed to city authorities for sustainable solutions to alleviate the health risks and economic hardships caused by these neglected roads.

“Our problems started with the onset of quarrying activities here. Despite engaging with site operators and the Assembly, who inspected the situation, meaningful solutions are yet to materialize.”

Health risks

Doctors and public health experts say that inhaling dust poses risks to human health.

This exposure heightens the likelihood of fatalities from heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lower respiratory infections.

A recent study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US highlighted that exposure to road dust can lead to adverse respiratory effects, including asthma and respiratory carcinoma.

Further research from Johns Hopkins University also indicates that certain types of dust particles, like those from roads, can cause pneumoconiosis and other interstitial lung diseases by damaging lung tissues and causing inflammation.