Ghana's Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, has directed consultants and road agencies to expedite the examination and endorsement of construction designs. This move aims to prevent unnecessary delays in road projects. The Minister made this statement during a tour of Phase One and Phase Two of the Suame Interchange project on September 29.

Minister Agbodza criticized the common practice of contractors submitting designs and then waiting several days or weeks for responses from consultants and state agencies. He emphasized that this delay is unacceptable and urged all parties to convene design examination meetings and finalize them in one session. This approach will enable contractors, consultants, and relevant road agencies to discuss proposed modifications and resolve technical issues promptly.

To facilitate the design examination process, Agbodza suggested that provisional structures could be erected at project locations. This will allow concerned parties to examine designs and overcome obstacles quickly. He proposed that a tent could be pitched beside the site, and problems should be resolved on the spot. According to the Minister, conducting design examinations at the location provides consultants and other participants with a clearer understanding of actual conditions, making the proposed designs more workable.

The Minister's directive is expected to improve the efficiency of road project implementation in Ghana. By streamlining the design approval process, projects can be completed on schedule, reducing the risk of delays and associated costs. Agbodza's initiative is part of the government's efforts to enhance the country's infrastructure and promote economic growth.

During his tour of the Suame Interchange project, Agbodza inspected the ongoing construction work and assessed the progress made so far. He expressed satisfaction with the work done and encouraged the contractors to complete the project within the scheduled timeframe. The Suame Interchange project is a significant infrastructure development aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion in the area.

The Minister's call for accelerated design approvals has been welcomed by stakeholders in the construction industry. They believe that this move will help to reduce project delays and improve the overall quality of work. The government's efforts to enhance the efficiency of road project implementation are expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and infrastructure development.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways is committed to ensuring that road projects are completed on schedule and to the required standards. The Minister's directive to consultants and agencies to accelerate design approvals is a step in the right direction. The Ministry will continue to monitor the progress of road projects and provide support to contractors and consultants to ensure successful project implementation.

Key points

  • The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, has instructed consultants and road agencies to expedite design approvals to prevent delays in road projects.
  • Agbodza criticized the common practice of contractors waiting several days or weeks for responses from consultants and state agencies.
  • The Minister suggested that provisional structures could be erected at project locations to facilitate the design examination process.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.