Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, has confirmed that the construction on at least 50 roads under the government’s Big Push infrastructure agenda will begin before the end of 2025.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, July 25, during a discussion on the Mid-Year Budget Review, he explained that preparations are already ongoing for these projects to commence, backed by financial clearance and presidential oversight.
“I can tell you that the projects under the Big Push, about 50 roads, would have started before the end of this year,” he said.
“President Mahama is readying himself to cut sod for the roads that we have identified under the Big Push, which the finance minister yesterday [Thursday] in his presentation indicated he has already given commencement for, and we have the commencement letter to start about 50 of these roads.”
He noted that each of these road projects will cover an average length of 30 kilometres and will take a minimum of 18 months to complete. He added that this timeline is designed to ensure the projects are not perceived as politically motivated ahead of the 2028 general elections.
“That is why His Excellency has wisely decided to focus on the construction of roads this year,” he said. “Hopefully, we will not have the situation arising where people will think that it is because of elections that we are doing these roads.”
He further assured that strict standards are being enforced to avoid cost overruns and delays, noting, “We are confident that our contractors will live up to expectations and the government will also play its part to ensure that there are no delays and there are no variations.”
Referring to the Finance Minister’s remarks in Parliament, Mr Suhuyini reiterated, “Take note of that. Yesterday [Thursday], the Finance Minister made the point that these projects will not tolerate variations, and because we don’t intend to tolerate variations, we will not expect delays from our contractors.”
He also urged the Finance Ministry to be prompt in releasing payments when project certificates are due, adding, “We expect that the Finance Ministry will also be very responsive when it comes to honouring certificates that are ready to be honoured by the state.”
Source: myjoyonline
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