The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll, has urged the government not to allow debts owed to road contractors to accumulate, as it would hinder timely payments.
During a meeting with the new Roads and Highways Minister designate, Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, on Monday, Otumfuo Osei Tutu stressed that road construction was crucial for national development.
He then urged the government to promptly settle outstanding payments to contractors in order to facilitate the completion of projects not only in the Ashanti Region but also across the country.
Inspections revealed progress on selected roads in Kenyase, Fawoade, Ntonso, Kwabre East Municipality, and Afigya Kwabre South district.
Two contractors have been tasked with project implementation. The Sunyani road, a section of the N6 passing through Kumasi, is undergoing dualisation and interchange construction, with an 87 per cent completion rate and a target completion date of July 2024.
The Sunyani road, which is part of the N6 passing through the heart of Kumasi from Bantama to Abuakwa with scope of works including interchanges and underpasses at critical intersections and the dualisation of the entire road, was also inspected.
The development of selected roads and ancillary works in communities along the project corridor is 65 per cent which is expected to be completed in November 21, this year.
It was observed that piling works have commenced on the Anomangye, New Magazine and Abusuakruwaa overpass, relocation of utilities, as well as earthworks and drainage works on the Offinso ongoing road, all of which formed the second phase of the Suame Interchange Project.
However, challenges facing the contractor, Rango Construction Company, included payment of compensation to project affected persons, demolishing of affected structures, relocation of utility lines along the project corridor and car vendors within the right of way that needed to be relocated.
Mr Asenso-Boakye on his part commended the contractors, especially Rango Construction Company for work done as he described the Suame Interchange project as “the single biggest road project in Ghana in terms of scope and function.”
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI
