The Resident Engineer for the Atimpoku–Asikuma Road project, Gamed Tinton, has disclosed that construction works are progressing steadily, with the project currently about 32 percent complete.
Speaking during the Roads and Highways Minister’s inspection tour of the project in the Volta Region, Mr. Tinton explained that the road is being reconstructed to modern engineering standards. He said the pavement structure will comprise a 150-millimetre sub-base, a 60-millimetre binder course and a 40-millimetre wearing course to ensure durability and improved road performance.
According to him, major earthworks are already underway, including cutting through sections of elevated terrain to widen the existing roadway. He noted that although excavation has not yet reached the required depth in some areas, significant progress has been made and work is continuing as planned.
The engineer said construction activities currently include earthworks, concrete works and the development of road shoulders, adding that approximately 6.5 kilometres of edge works have already been completed.
Mr. Tinton, however, identified the relocation of utility infrastructure as one of the project’s major challenges. He explained that electricity poles and water pipelines situated within the road corridor have slowed work in some sections, as they must be relocated before full-scale construction can continue.
He also pointed to congestion at Dropon Town, where market activities frequently occupy portions of the road reserve, making it difficult for construction equipment to access the site. In addition, he said structures along sections of the road, particularly around Fankadua, have had to be demolished to create enough space for the planned road expansion.
To address the utility relocation challenge, Mr. Tinton revealed that meetings have already been held with the relevant service providers, who are expected to submit the necessary relocation plans for approval before the works commence.
Despite the challenges, the Resident Engineer expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s recent performance, noting that construction has gathered momentum. He encouraged the inspection team to assess the progress firsthand, saying the visible work on site reflects the contractor’s renewed commitment to delivering the project.
Source: myxyzonline/Belinda Anim Piesie
