The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the Suame Interchange project, despite financial challenges.
Speaking to the media after a site tour in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, the minister acknowledged the project’s significance and the hurdles faced in securing funds for its completion.
“This project has always been of national importance. Anyone traveling through Kumasi to the northern parts of the country understands the frustration caused by the traffic congestion in this area. It was necessary for the government to prioritize this project,” Mr. Agbodza stated.
According to the minister, while funding was initially secured from external sources, it was insufficient to complete all phases of the project.
He explained that the government had managed to reallocate some funds but emphasized that the full financial requirement was yet to be met.
“We signed a contract, and I believe Phase Two is largely completed, according to the engineers. However, Phase One, which is the most critical part, is still ongoing. Despite the financial constraints, we are working towards securing the necessary resources to complete it,” he added.
Mr. Agbodza expressed confidence in the contractors handling the project, stating that they have the capacity to deliver.
He noted that the government is engaging stakeholders, including the Ghana Water Company and other service providers, to ensure that essential utilities are relocated without disrupting services to residents.
“We are coordinating with Ghana Water to ensure that supply lines are properly rerouted. It may cause some inconvenience, but we are confident that the ministry, in collaboration with the community, will manage the situation effectively,” he assured.
Acknowledging the country’s current financial difficulties, the minister reiterated President John Mahama’s commitment to transparency in government spending and infrastructure development.
“The President has been frank about our financial situation. It’s not a good place to be, and we recognize the burden on the people. However, with the little resources available, we will ensure that critical projects like this one are prioritized,” he said.
He also mentioned that discussions are ongoing to secure additional funding for other road projects linked to the Suame Interchange. “We are engaging with various partners to bring other essential road projects to fruition,” he added.
Compensation for Affected Property Owners
Touching on compensation for individuals whose properties were affected by the project, the minister assured that the government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations.
“The laws of our country allow the government to acquire land for public interest projects, but at the same time, it mandates that affected persons be adequately compensated. We acknowledge that there are outstanding compensation issues, and we are working on resolving them,” he said.
He, however, noted that some structures affected by the project were not authorized by local authorities, making the issue of compensation more complex.
“We must be clear that not all affected structures were legally approved. In such cases, demolishing them may not necessarily warrant compensation, as that would mean using public funds to validate unauthorized developments,” he explained.
The minister disclosed that the contractors have submitted a request for an extension of time due to delays caused by funding and utility relocation challenges.
However, the government is yet to officially approve this request as it awaits a revised work schedule.
“We understand the delays and the reasons behind them. The contractors have requested more time, but we need to review their updated work plan before making any final decisions. At this stage, it would be premature to comment on the exact timelines,” he stated.
Hon. Agbodza assured the public that the government remains focused on completing the Suame Interchange project and other critical infrastructure developments across the country.
He called for patience and cooperation from all stakeholders, emphasizing that despite the financial constraints, the project remains a priority.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ J.K Bediako
