Mount pressure on contractors when road projects are abandoned not gov’t

The Western Regional Minister has told Ghanaians and the media not to blame the government when road projects are abandoned by contractors.

The Minister said it is the responsibility of contractors who have been awarded road projects to finance them and after they are done, the government pays back with interest.

Dr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah speaking on the Jolly Breakfast Show (JBS) on Skyy Power 93.5FM said with this information being known, pressure should be mounted on contractors if they are not performing or have abandoned projects.

Speaking on resourcing contractors for projects, the Minister said “Ghanaian constructors do not need to come to parliament and before they can bid for contracts, they will need to bring a letter from their bank to indicate that their bank is supporting them in the project.”

“If that is not happening, it is the responsibility of the contractor to find money elsewhere to do the work because the contractor after completing the road will be paid by the government with interest so no contractor loses out… and the interest is paid base on the treasury bill rate.”

He further made known that the contractor responsible for the Wassa Agona is currently on sight and is working to fix the deplorable road.

“From Wassa Agona to Apemanim stretch is being worked on, we have hope that from next year, people will see massive improvement as it will near completion.”

Speaking on the construction of the first interchange in the region, he indicated that the project is more than 50 per cent complete and will be completed by June 2022.

Dr Darko-Mensah further stated that there are projects ongoing in every district of the Western Region as they are not leaving any stone unturned.

He assured residents that the deplorable Kweikuma road is being discussed and will be fixed, and the dualization of the Agona Nkwanta to Tarkwa and Sekondi to Takoradi road is on course.