The Ministry of Roads and Highways in Ghana has announced that it will take legal action against utility companies that excavate completed roads to lay their service lines. Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, stated that the ministry will no longer allow service providers to wait until road projects have been completed before excavating the roads. This move aims to prevent damage to newly constructed roads and other public infrastructure.
According to Minister Agbodza, utility companies such as Ghana Water Limited, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and telecommunications companies must obtain the necessary authorization before excavating completed roads. The minister emphasized that the concerns of utility providers are understandable, particularly where they need to install infrastructure along road corridors. However, he stressed that such activities must be properly coordinated with the Roads and Highways Ministry.
The Minister raised concerns about instances where telecommunications companies allegedly enter road corridors without informing the authorities and damage infrastructure installed by the government. He stated that the lack of coordination can result in damage to infrastructure that has been financed with public funds. As a result, Minister Agbodza urged all utility providers planning to install infrastructure within road corridors or near the road right-of-way to notify the Ministry and obtain the necessary permission.
Minister Agbodza also emphasized the importance of providing accurate records of utility infrastructure to make it easier for the government to protect both public roads and the investments made by service providers. He stated that having accurate records would help prevent damage to infrastructure and ensure that investments made by both the government and service providers are protected.
The Minister highlighted that the current road construction program offers utility companies the opportunity to undertake their works alongside the projects, rather than waiting until the roads are completed. He stressed that the government is determined to prevent a situation where roads that have just been constructed will immediately be opened up again to accommodate utility infrastructure.
Minister Agbodza warned that the directive will apply to all service providers, regardless of the nature of the infrastructure they intend to install. He stated that if any service provider is found excavating a completed road without authorization, they will be held accountable under the law. The minister emphasized that utility companies have the opportunity to carry out the necessary works while road projects are still ongoing.
The Ministry's decision aims to ensure that completed roads are not damaged by utility companies. Key points include:
Key points
- Utility companies must obtain authorization before excavating completed roads.
- The Ministry will take legal action against companies that fail to comply.
- Accurate records of utility infrastructure will be required to prevent damage to public infrastructure.
