Kumasi, Dec. 14, GNA – Vice President Dr
Mahamudu Bawumia has cut sod for work to begin on the first phase of the
rehabilitation and auxiliary infrastructure of Kumasi inner city road and
adjacent streets project.
The construction works will benefit six
metropolitan and municipal areas, including the Asokwa, Kwadaso, Oforikrom,
Tafo and Suame Municipalities. Manhyia, Bantama, Nhyiaeso and Subin, all sub –
metros within the Kumasi Metropolis.
Addressing the chiefs and people of the
Ashanti Region at Kentenkrono-Nsenie, near Kumasi, on Friday, Vice President
Bawumia reiterated government’s commitment to the provision of infrastructure
across the country.
He said the development of Ashanti Region,
especially Kumasi and its surrounding towns were very dear to the heart of the
President and would mobilise every resource available to improve the condition
of urban road network.
He said some road works undertaken in the
Region since 2017 including asphalt overlay of 70km of a planned 200km of roads
within Kumasi are expected to be completed in 2020; minor upgrading and
rehabilitation of 24km of roads completed within Ejisu, Juaben, Ayigya and
Effiduase.
“Various contracts for the rehabilitation
and upgrading of roads in Buokrom, Kwadaso, Antoa, Effiduase and Ejisu are
ongoing. Road works are also ongoing in Bekwai and Mampong.
“Procurement for 30km of roads for the facelift
of the Obuasi township are ongoing. Under procurement also are minor
rehabilitation of selected roads in Ejura, Mampong, Offinso and Konongo.
“Work on the Obuasi-Anwiankwanta Road is
ongoing as well as the Mampong Kofiase Road,” the Vice President said.
Other projects are Kumasi roads and drainage
extension project, which is 35 per cent complete. Under this project, two km of
Sissai River is being lined and 3.5km of the Lake Road would be widened to a
2×2 dual carriageway.
In addition, a modern transport terminal
would be constructed at Atonsu and it is anticipated that a significant part of
the works would be completed by December 2020.
The region is also expected to benefit under
the Sinohydro Project Phase 1.
Under the Sinohydro Project Phase 1, Kumasi
and Mampong shall benefit from 100km of road works. Works are expected to start
in early 2020.
Vice President Bawumia said infrastructure,
particularly roads, was very dear to the heart of President Akufo-Addo’s
administration.
He said President Akufo-Addo has declared
2020 as the year of roads and commencement certificates to the tune of 6.6
billion cedis have been issued by the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of
Roads and Highways, to undertake the rehabilitation of critical roads
throughout the country.
Mr Kwasi Amoako Atta, the Minister for Roads
and Highways, efforts are being made to ensure the strict implementation of
road construction contracts and any contractor that undertakes shoddy works
would be held responsible.
GNA