Zabzugu, Feb. 15 — The Member of Parliament (MP) for Zabzugu, Hon. Alhassan Umar, has launched a rural access road expansion programme aimed at improving connectivity to hard-to-reach communities within the constituency.
The initiative, dubbed “Operation Open Up Hard-to-Reach Communities,” has begun with the opening and reshaping of the Mongoase–Jaatoyili road in the Tasundo Electoral Area. Similar works are expected to continue on the Laagbani–Gmangundo stretch in the Laagbani Electoral Area.
The launch attracted residents, traditional authorities, women’s groups and the youth from surrounding communities, who welcomed the intervention and described it as a practical response to long-standing transportation challenges.
For many years, residents of the beneficiary communities have faced difficulties accessing nearby towns, particularly during the rainy season when roads become muddy and impassable.
Farmers have often struggled to transport produce such as maize, yam and groundnuts to Zabzugu township and other markets, including Tamale and beyond, affecting incomes and trading activities.
The poor road network has also hindered access to health services, education and other essential social amenities.
The ongoing works are expected to ease the movement of people and goods, reduce transport costs and stimulate economic activities in the area.
Hon. Alhassan said the project was being executed with equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), stressing that public machinery must be used to directly benefit the communities for which it was provided.
He explained that the intervention formed part of a broader effort to integrate isolated settlements into the constituency’s socio-economic life.
Hon. Alhassan indicated that the current works constituted the first phase of the programme and assured residents that other deprived communities across the constituency would subsequently benefit.
Residents expressed optimism that the improved road network would support farming activities and make it easier for teachers and health workers to reach their duty stations, while also improving access to markets and emergency services.
They described the project as a step towards expanding economic opportunities and promoting inclusive development in the Zabzugu area.
