The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, has expressed strong disappointment over the slow pace of work on the 24-hour economy market project in Kintampo Municipality. During a visit to the site with his team, Mr. Antwi stated that the contractor, S. D. H., has performed poorly despite being awarded the contract. The project, part of the government's 24-hour economy initiative, aims to boost economic activity in the area. However, with less than one percent of work executed, the Minister's expectations have not been met.
According to Mr. Antwi, the contractor's performance is the poorest among all contractors working on similar projects in the region. He emphasized that the government will not allow the contractor to disappoint the people of Kintampo. The Minister disclosed that he has taken steps to sanction the contractor, directing the consultant to issue a warning letter, which has been done. Additionally, he instructed for another warning letter to be issued to the contractor. This move indicates the government's determination to ensure the project's timely completion.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Kintampo North, Isaac Donkor, also expressed deep disappointment over the project's progress. He described it as the poorest performing among the 11 districts and municipalities in the Bono East Region. Mr. Donkor stated that he has visited the site several times and was disappointed by the contractor's delay in executing the hoarding after the assembly cleared and handed over the site. The little work seen on site has been a cause for concern, prompting him to report to the Regional Minister.
Mr. Donkor revealed that consultants have visited the site and issued a warning letter to the contractor, S. D. H. Construction Limited. He noted that workers were only seen on site because of the Regional Minister's visit, otherwise, there were no workers. The project involves about three blocks, and the MCE stressed that the contractor will not be allowed to disappoint the people of Kintampo and the government. The directive of the Regional Minister will be followed to ensure the project's completion.
The 24-hour economy market project will greatly boost economic activity when completed, according to Mr. Donkor. The current site was previously used as a market, which was dissolved, and traders were relocated after sensitization on the benefits of the new facility. Residents in town are disappointed as they had expected a faster pace of work. The project's completion is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, providing a new and improved market space for traders and residents.
The Bono East Regional Minister's visit to the site and subsequent comments highlight the government's commitment to ensuring that projects are completed on time and to the required standard. The Minister's team will continue to monitor the project's progress, and further actions will be taken if the contractor fails to improve their performance. The government's 24-hour economy initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and development in various regions, including Bono East.
The slow pace of work on the Kintampo 24-hour market project has raised concerns among local residents and officials. The project's timely completion is crucial to achieving its objectives and meeting the expectations of the people of Kintampo. The government, through the Regional Minister and the Municipal Chief Executive, will continue to exert pressure on the contractor to ensure that the project is completed as scheduled.
Key points
- The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work on the Kintampo 24-hour economy market project.
- The contractor, S. D. H., has performed poorly, with less than one percent of work executed.
- The government has taken steps to sanction the contractor, including issuing warning letters.
