By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
Traders and residents along the Denu–Tokor–Dzodze corridor have raised serious concerns over excessive dust pollution resulting from ongoing works on the Big Push Road Project, warning that the situation is hurting businesses, contaminating food, and posing health risks.
When News Volta visited the area, shop owners, food vendors and service providers described daily struggles as thick dust settles on goods, coot foods and utensils and even water meant for drinking .
“Every morning we clean, and within minutes the dust covers everything again,” lamented Mad. Emmanuel a food vendor at Tokor – Tsanpui
“My soup, water and plates all turn muddy. Customers see it and walk away. Sometimes we are forced to close early.”
Provision store operators say their products are losing value due to contamination.
“Sugar, rice, milk tins — everything gets dusty,” said Josephine , a provisions seller.
“People think the food is dirty. Sales have dropped badly.”
Clothing sellers are also feeling the impact.
“I sell new clothes, but they look old because of the dust,” explained Esi , a boutique operator in along Penyi .
“I spend extra money washing and repackaging items. It’s affecting my profit.”
Building materials dealers said the dust mixes is , reducing our materials quality and increasing waste, while hairdressers and barbers complain that customers avoid their shops because of the dusty environment.
“Who wants to cut hair when dust is flying everywhere?” a barber told News Volta.
“Customers say they will come back after the road is done.”
Beyond business losses, residents fear the health implications of constant dust inhalation, especially for children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.
“We cough all the time. Our eyes burn,” said a chop bar operator.
“This dust is not safe for our lungs.”
Some residents reported increased cases of catarrh, chest discomfort and eye irritation, calling for urgent intervention.
Traders and residents are appealing to the contractor and supervising authorities to ensure regular and consistent watering of the road to reduce dust levels while construction continues.
“We are not against the road,” a trader stressed.
“We support development, but they must protect our health and livelihoods.”
The Big Push Road Project is expected to improve connectivity and economic activity in the long term, but affected traders insist that temporary mitigation measures—especially routine watering—are necessary to prevent further losses and health hazards.
Residents hope authorities will respond swiftly to ease the burden on businesses along one of the busiest commercial routes in the Ketu South and Ketu North areas.
Source News Volta
