The Roads and Highways Minister, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has expressed disappointment with the slow pace of work on the first phase of the Suame Interchange project in Kumasi. During an inspection of the project, Mr Agbodza directed the contractor, Rango Construction, to speed up work, citing the current 5% progress as inadequate. He acknowledged that delays associated with redesign and re-scoping of the project had contributed to the slow pace.
Mr Agbodza urged the contractor, consultants, and relevant government agencies to hold design-review meetings on site and resolve technical challenges within a day. He advised against allowing the design review process to take weeks, suggesting that a day be set aside for the contractor and consultants to review and amend designs. This, he believes, will help to resolve outstanding design issues without further delays.
The Minister emphasized the need for the parties involved to prioritize finding immediate solutions to the outstanding design issues. He suggested that the technical teams work on site to better appreciate the practical realities of the project and arrive at solutions more quickly. Mr Agbodza also proposed that a tent be mounted on the site to facilitate the design review process.
The Ashanti Regional Urban Roads Director, Engineer Nana Poku Agyemang, stated that his office would work with the contractor to expedite discussions and ensure the project progresses quickly. He explained that the consultant had indicated that some designs submitted by the contractor required review, a process that could take up to a week. However, he agreed with the Minister's suggestion to conduct design reviews on site within a day.
Engineer Agyemang mentioned that a crash programme involving additional workers, logistics, and working hours would be implemented to recover lost time. This programme would enable the contractor to work day and night to accelerate the project's completion. He added that an early completion of key components of the project would help create momentum towards completing the first phase.
The Suame Interchange project aims to improve traffic flow and ease congestion around the Suame area of Kumasi. The project's completion is expected to have a positive impact on the region's transportation infrastructure. Mr Agbodza expressed concern that the contractor had so far focused largely on earthworks and urged the team to commence other activities, including concrete works, wherever access permits.
The Minister also mentioned that the government does not intend to extend the completion deadline for the Kumasi Outer Ring Road project beyond 2027, unless there are justified circumstances. He emphasized the need for the contractor to work efficiently to meet the deadline. The Minister's comments come amid concerns over the pace of work on the interchange, which is a critical infrastructure project for the region.
Key points
- The contractor, Rango Construction, has made only 5% progress on the Suame Interchange project.
- The Roads Minister has directed the contractor to accelerate work and resolve outstanding design issues without further delays.
- A crash programme involving additional workers, logistics, and working hours will be implemented to recover lost time and complete the project on schedule.
