The Roads and Highway Ministry is promising payment of outstanding debt to contractors working on the Sofoline Interchange in Kumasi.
Work on the reconstruction of Sunyani Corridor Roads have stalled for over three years due to government’s failure to honour certificates totalling over 23 million US Dollars.
Roads Minister, Akwasi Amoako Atta, who blames the former government for unduly delaying the project says the NPP government will live up to expectations.
The Sofoline Interchange project which started in 2007 is 10-years behind scheduled.
The 100 per cent government of Ghana- funded project is about 74 per cent complete.
The five main components include widening of the Komfo Anokye Hospital-Abuakwa Road and construction of an interchange at KATH and Sofoline.
It also involves construction of five underpass bridges along the road.
Lack of funds and non-payment of compensation to property owners who were affected by the project however have stalled execution of the project.
This means 170 workers of the construction firm receive salaries for work no done.
Motorists and commuters have been left to their fate as they battle vehicular traffic, common at Komfo Anokye Hospital- Boggie Supermarket and the Apatrapa Junction -Abuakwa sections of the road.
Project consultant , Kwaku Boampong, told the Road Minister the major issue confronting the project is lack of funds.
According to Mr. Amoako Atta, the John Dramani-led administration left several unpaid road contracts, a situation he says has become burden for the current administration.
“There are so many projects scattered across the nation started by the previous government and they have all stalled for lack of payment and its across the nation-all over. That is why I am giving the assurance that the current government under the leadership of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that contractors are paid and we have paid so much within this short period that we came to power.”
Mr. Amoako Atta however says government will do everything possible to see the completion of the project.
“Payment is going to be arranged but I will urge you that, you the consultant and contractors-all of you must work diligently we start releasing money to you because for now onwards, we want to ensure value for money.”
