The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has directed China Jiangxi Development Company to deploy an additional construction gang and intensify dust suppression measures on sections of its ongoing road project.
The directive follows concerns over the slow pace of visible construction activities in some communities, even though the contractor has recorded progress ahead of its approved programme on portions of the works.
The project is being executed in two sections under the same contractor, covering approximately 50 kilometres and an additional 12 kilometres.
During an inspection, the Regional Director updated the minister that the contractor had achieved about 35 per cent progress on the 50-kilometre section against an approved target of 32 per cent. On the 12-kilometre section, progress stood at roughly 33 per cent, exceeding the planned 22 per cent.
The Regional Director attributed part of the progress to the contractor’s decision to temporarily shift resources to accelerate work on the second section. He added that arrangements were already underway to mobilise an additional construction gang to raise overall productivity.
Mr Agbodza, however, expressed concern about the condition of road sections passing through communities, particularly the excessive dust generated by construction activities. He noted that residents, schoolchildren and other road users were being exposed to the dust, describing the situation as unacceptable.
The minister questioned why the contractor had not yet deployed the additional gang despite an earlier directive, stressing that the availability of equipment should not be used as an excuse for delays. He instructed the Regional Director to report the matter to the company’s Chief Executive. The contractor agreed to begin mobilising the extra gang the following Monday.
The company also assured the minister that it would improve dust suppression measures. It disclosed that additional equipment, including water tankers, graders and excavators, had been procured and was expected on site. Some delays in delivery were attributed to permit-related challenges.
Mr Agbodza acknowledged the contractor’s technical capacity and expressed confidence in the quality of its work. He insisted, however, that construction activities must be intensified so that communities along the corridor begin to see tangible benefits. Being ahead of schedule on paper, he stressed, must translate into visible improvements for residents and motorists using the road.
Story by : Belinda Anim-Piesie
