Ghana's Roads Minister, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has called for a change in the one-year defect liability period agreement in road contracts to ensure contractors are held accountable for poor road construction. The Minister made this statement during an inspection of ongoing construction works on the Accra-Kumasi N6 highway on September 29. He emphasized that the current practice of declaring contractors and consultants' defect liability period over after just one year is inadequate.
Minister Agbodza noted that with the government paying billions of cedis on road projects, it is essential to extend the defect liability period to make contractors more accountable for road defects that may emerge after completion. He cited the example of a road built to last 30 years, questioning why the contractor's liability should only last one year. The Minister is currently engaging with the Ministers of Finance and Works and Housing to change the one-year defect liability period.
The proposed change aims to protect public investments in road infrastructure and encourage contractors to deliver durable and high-quality works. Minister Agbodza emphasized that extending the liability period would provide an additional incentive for contractors to pay greater attention to the quality and durability of their work. His ministry is committed to enforcing quality standards and ensuring contractors comply with project specifications.
According to Minister Agbodza, although the ministry is committed to ensuring roads are constructed to required standards, there is a need to strengthen contractor accountability beyond the current liability period. He expressed confidence in the capacity of Ghanaian engineers and contractors to design and execute road projects to international standards. The government is relying on local expertise to deliver quality road infrastructure that will withstand the test of time.
Minister Agbodza pointed out that the objective is to ensure completed road projects remain in good condition for longer periods, enabling the government to direct limited resources towards expanding road infrastructure to other communities. He urged contractors to see delivering durable roads as a professional responsibility, taking full account of contract specifications and quality requirements.
The ministry will continue to monitor construction works closely to ensure contractors deliver value for money and that public funds invested in road infrastructure produce lasting benefits for motorists and communities. Minister Agbodza emphasized that the government is determined to improve road infrastructure quality by strengthening supervision, enforcing specifications, and promoting greater accountability among contractors.
The proposed change in the defect liability period is part of the ministry's efforts to ensure that road contractors are held accountable for their work. With this change, contractors will be more inclined to prioritize quality and durability in their work, ultimately benefiting the country's road infrastructure.
Key points
- The Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, wants to change the one-year defect liability period for road contractors to ensure they are held accountable for poor road construction.
- The proposed change aims to protect public investments in road infrastructure and encourage contractors to deliver durable and high-quality works.
- The ministry will continue to monitor construction works closely to ensure contractors deliver value for money and that public funds produce lasting benefits.
