Residents of Patang, a farming community in the Savannah Region, have threatened to stage a demonstration and boycott future elections if the government fails to address the deplorable state of the roads linking the area to neighbouring communities and major commercial centres.
The residents say years of neglect have left the roads in a near-impassable condition, making transportation difficult and affecting economic activities, access to healthcare, and education.
Speaking to journalists during a community gathering, some residents expressed frustration over what they described as repeated unfulfilled promises by successive governments to rehabilitate the road network.
According to them, the poor condition of the roads has increased transportation costs and made it difficult for farmers to transport foodstuffs and other produce to markets, resulting in significant post-harvest losses.
“We are suffering because of these roads. During the rainy season, vehicles struggle to pass, and sometimes people have to walk long distances to access transportation,” one resident lamented.
Community leaders indicated that pregnant women, the elderly, and schoolchildren are among those most affected by the deteriorating roads, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
The residents argued that, despite contributing to the local economy through farming and other activities, they have seen little development in road infrastructure.
They warned that unless immediate steps are taken to improve the roads, they would organise a massive demonstration to draw national attention to their plight.
Some residents further threatened to boycott future elections as a form of protest against what they perceive as years of neglect by political leaders.
“We have voted in every election hoping our roads will be fixed, but nothing has changed. If the government continues to ignore us, we will have no choice but to reconsider our participation in future elections,” another resident said.
The community is therefore calling on the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council, and other relevant authorities to intervene urgently and rehabilitate the road network.
Residents say improving the roads would not only ease transportation challenges but also boost agriculture, trade, and access to essential social services in the area.
