The Ghanaian government has assured contractors executing the 'Big Push' Road Infrastructure programme of prompt payments once certificates are raised. Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr. Governs Kwame Agbodza, made this statement during an interview with the media after inspecting work on the rehabilitation of the 48-kilometer Sunyani-Atronie-Acherensua Road project. He emphasized that the era of delayed payments to contractors is over.
According to Mr. Agbodza, the government has streamlined the payment process, ensuring that certificates are not left pending for extended periods. Contractors are now being paid even for arrears under the 'Big Push' programme. This move aims to motivate contractors to work efficiently and complete projects on schedule. The Minister inspected the progress of work on two projects: the Sunyani-Atronie-Acherensua Road and the Sunyani Outer Ring Road.
The 48-kilometer Sunyani-Atronie-Acherensua Road project, being executed by Alexiboam Company Limited, is expected to be completed within two years. The company has commenced major works on asphaltic overlays on portions of the road. Mr. Agbodza expressed satisfaction with the level of work on the project so far. The project includes the construction of the Tano Bridge between Ntotroso and Acherensua.
The Minister also inspected the progress of work on the 34-kilometer Sunyani Outer Ring Road project, being executed by Kofi Job Company Limited. This project is also scheduled to be completed within two years. Mr. Agbodza emphasized that funding is readily available to pay contractors and urged them to work hard to speed up the completion of the 'Big Push' road projects nationwide.
Mr. Agbodza cautioned contractors against shoddy works, assuring that they will be paid once they raise their certificates. He stressed the importance of completing projects on schedule and to a high standard. The Minister's assurance of prompt payments is expected to boost the morale of contractors and motivate them to deliver quality work.
In response, Mr. Alex Boampong, the Chief Executive Officer of Alexiboam Company Limited, pledged his company's commitment to completing the projects even before the stipulated period. He mentioned that the construction of the Tano Bridge had slowed down the project execution but added that work on the bridge was about 90 percent complete.
The 'Big Push' Road Infrastructure programme is a flagship project of the Ghanaian government aimed at improving the country's road network. The programme involves the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the country. With the assurance of prompt payments, contractors are expected to work efficiently to complete the projects on schedule.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has assured contractors of prompt payments for 'Big Push' road projects.
- The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr. Governs Kwame Agbodza, inspected work on two projects: the Sunyani-Atronie-Acherensua Road and the Sunyani Outer Ring Road.
- Contractors have been urged to work hard to speed up the completion of the 'Big Push' road projects nationwide.
