The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has expressed confidence that work on the Atimpoku–Asikuma Road project in the Volta Region will be completed on schedule despite what initially appeared to be a slow pace of construction.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme, the Minister said concerns over the contractor’s progress had already been addressed through engagements with the contractor, leading to a noticeable improvement in the pace of work.
According to him, although the project is currently at about two percent completion, the stage of mobilization allows the contractor sufficient room to recover lost time and meet the project’s timeline.
Mr. Agbodza dismissed suggestions that existing settlements, utility lines or other site conditions were causing delays. He explained that structures within the road corridor were anticipated before construction began and that the necessary legal and administrative processes are in place to relocate affected persons and utilities.
He added that the relocation of electricity poles and water infrastructure forms part of the project’s implementation and requires close collaboration between the contractor and the relevant utility service providers. He also appealed to residents to cooperate by vacating the road reservation where necessary to facilitate uninterrupted construction.
The Roads Minister praised the contractor for the quality of work executed so far, describing the company as one of the country’s most experienced road contractors. He noted that successful road construction depends not on the amount of equipment deployed on site but on technical expertise, proper planning and competent engineering.
Mr. Agbodza further observed that this year’s heavy rains have highlighted the need for stronger and more resilient road infrastructure. He stressed that drainage systems, compaction and all engineering standards must be strictly adhered to to ensure roads can withstand normal rainfall without deteriorating.
The Minister said he was impressed with the quality of work currently being undertaken and remains optimistic that the contractor will make up for the initial slow progress and deliver the project successfully.
He also commended the Regional Director of Highways and his team for their proactive supervision of the project, encouraging regional engineers to continue working closely with contractors to promptly resolve challenges and ensure timely completion of road infrastructure across the country.
Source: myxyzonline/Belinda Anim Piesie
