13 feeder road contracts terminated

Kumasi, Oct. 17, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) has terminated 13 feeder road contracts and warned 30 other contractors to work assiduously to complete their projects or would be sanctioned.

The roads are the resurfacing of Aduman-Aboabogya and Pankrono-Atimatim-Nkukua-Buoho roads in the Kwabre District. Ten other roads for spot improvement are, Prosikrom-Yawsarfokrom road in Asante Akim South District, Drobonso-Jeduako road in Sekyere East District, Kokofu-Esaase road in Amansie East District, Nyameani-Piase road in Bosomtwe-Atwima-Kwanwoma District and Atia Junction-Hia road in Amansie Central District. The rest are, Paamuso-Ashyiresu road, Sreso-Achiase road, Gyereso-Aboabo-Bibiani phase two roads and rehabilitation of Tanodumase Junction-Tanodumase-Asibrem road all in Atwima Mponua District. Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister announced this at a meeting with road contractors in Kumasi on Wednesday.

He said it was not the Council's desire to terminate contracts but it was disheartening that most road contractors on the Highways, Urban and Feeder roads had either embarked on slow progress of work or abandoned their projects that had schedules for completion. Mr Owusu-Ansah said there was the need for contractors to work as expected adding, "we are prepared to assist you to execute the projects and account to the people we are serving in the country". He noted that the main bane of the contractors had been payment for work done, but emphasized that government had the responsibility to pay salaries of workers, provision for the health, education and agricultural sectors hence the delay in payment of work done. Mr Owusu-Ansah pointed out that government was aware of their predicament and paid interests on delays of payment of certificates and urged contractors to work hard to sustain the confidence of the people in their activities and the government.

Dr Kwasi Osafo Ampadu, Ashanti Regional Engineer of Department of Feeder Roads appealed to road contractors to have good working relations with financial institutions for their continued support during crises. Nana Bi-Kusi Appiah, Managing Director of A-Kanin Construction commended government for re-introducing the mobilization fund and called on contractors to refrain from contracting for jobs beyond their capabilities.