The public has been reassured by Governs Kwame Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways, that 32 significant road projects will be finished and turned over in a rigorous two-year timeframe, with contractors required to work nonstop to achieve the deadline.
The Minister stated that the government has obtained the required commencement certificates and is presently completing the procurement procedures to get contractors on site during an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, July 31.
“The commencement certificate has been obtained, and we are now in the procurement process to get these contractors to the site. The contract is two years, so the 32 roads will be completed in 24 months from start to finish and handed over,” Agbodza said.
The Minister disclosed that the contracts now contain strict penalty clauses to guarantee on-time delivery, marking a significant departure from earlier strategies. Additionally, contractors would be expected to work around the clock.
“Unlike the past, we are writing into the contract that if you delay for three months without any justification, we will terminate the work immediately without further notice.”
“In the contract, they are going to work 24/7. So you are not compelled to take these projects if you have issues with that it,” Agbodza said, warning that the government will no longer tolerate lax attitudes toward project timelines.”
“Don’t be surprised that you’re going to see us being quite tough on contractors and consultants. We end up with bad roads because of lapses in supervision,” he explained.
Additionally, the Minister sent a strong message to consultants and contractors, warning that inadequate oversight and subpar performance would no longer be tolerated.
Agbodza also revealed that professional indemnity requirements will be included in future contracts. “If the road fails, we will be very firm in cashing out that money to restore the road. If you’re a contractor, have it at the back of your mind that when things go wrong, we shall cash it to remedy the situation.”
The 32 road projects that need to be finished in two years are listed below:
1. – Construction of a new bridge on the Oti River at Dambai
2. – Upgrading of Tumu–Hamile Road
3. -Upgrading of Tumu–Han–Lawra Road
4. – Reconstruction of Navrongo – Tumu Road
5. – Rehabilitation of Techiman – Nkonsia – Wenchi Road
6. – Rehabilitation of Wenchi – Sawla Road
7. – Construction of Sunyani Outer Ring Road
8. – Construction of Kumasi Outer Ring Road (Eastern Quadrant)
10. – Rehabilitation of Gibitri – Nakpanduri Road
11. – Rehabilitation of Dodo Pepesu – Nkwanta Road
12. – Rehabilitation of Atimpoku – Asikuma Junction Road
13. – Rehabilitation of Asikuma Junction – Anyirawasi Road
14. – Reconstruction of Anyirawasi – Ho Titrinu Road
15. Upgrading of Akosombo–Gyakiti–Kudikope Road
16. Upgrading of Asikuma to Anum Boso–Kpalime Road
17. Upgrading of Adomi Bridge to Akwamufie Road
18. Rehabilitation of Ho – Kpetoe Road
19. Rehabilitation of Kpetoe – Afiadenyigba Road
20. Rehabilitation of Afiadenyigba – Penyi Road
21. Rehabilitation of Penyi – Aflao Road
22. Dualisation of Winneba – Mankessim Road
23. Dualisation of Cape Coast – Takoradi Road
24. Rehabilitation of Mankessim – Ajumako – Breman Asikuma – Agona Swedru Road
25. Rehabilitation of Tema – Aflao Road (Section 1)
26. Reconstruction of Dodowa – Afienya – Dawhenya Road
27. Upgrading of Ojubji – Appolonia – Afienya Road
28. Construction of Enchi – Elubo Road
29. Construction of Dadieso – Akomtomra Road
30. Upgrading of Adwofua – Oseiokjokrom Road
31. Upgrading of Enchi – Kudjouru – Pekyi Road
32. Upgrading of Bediako Junction – Camp 15 – Sefwi Adabokrom Road
Source: newsthemegh.com