Work has resumed on the long-abandoned Kumasi Bekwai Roundabout to Santasi Roundabout road project, nearly three years after construction stalled.
China Geo-Construction Limited, the contractor awarded the project, has returned to site following the release of fresh government funding to complete the work.
The road project, which began about four years ago under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, was abandoned after approximately 30 percent of the work had been completed.
Construction stalled after the government failed at the time to release funds to honour payment certificates raised by the contractor.
Residents and business operators along the stretch have welcomed the resumption of work, commending the government for committing resources to complete the project.
The Kumasi Bekwai Roundabout–Santasi Roundabout road, commonly known as the Emergency Road, is located in the heart of Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.
The road serves as a major link for commuters from the Central, Western North and Adansi areas to the Kejetia Market and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Four years ago, the NPP government awarded a contract to China Geo-Construction Limited to expand the road into a dual carriageway.
However, after the contractor raised payment certificates, the government failed to meet its financial obligations, forcing the company to suspend work and vacate the site.
The abandonment of the project exposed residents and businesses along the corridor to severe dust pollution, flooding and economic hardship, leading to the collapse of several businesses.
The contractor’s return has renewed public confidence, particularly among residents and traders who depend on the road for their livelihoods.
Mama Lee, a chop bar operator along the stretch, said the stalled project nearly destroyed her business.
“Since the contractors first came on site four years ago, my chop bar business has collapsed. When I cook, I don’t get customers because people don’t want to come here due to the dust,” she said. “I still have workers I pay every month despite the low patronage.”
She expressed relief at the resumption of work and appealed to the current government to see the project through.
“I’m excited they are back on site and I’ve been told the project will be completed in six months. Many businesses between Bekwai Roundabout and Santasi have collapsed because the project was abandoned,” she said. “I’m pleading with this NDC government not to disappoint us like the NPP did during their eight years in Kumasi.”
Mama Lee added that despite the harsh conditions, she had no choice but to continue operating her business.
“I wanted to stop the chop bar, but if I stop, how will I survive? That’s why I’m still here in this dusty environment. I believe that when the project is completed, my customers will return and I can recover some of my losses,” she said.
Abdul Fatau, a commercial tricycle rider operating between the Komfo Anokye Roundabout and Santasi, also welcomed the development.
“There was nothing wrong with the road when the NPP government decided to dualise it in 2023, but they abandoned it in 2024, subjecting residents and businesses to severe dust pollution,” he said.
He praised the current government for showing commitment to completing abandoned projects.
“The good news is that after the NPP lost the elections, the NDC government has shown goodwill by releasing funds for contractors to return to site,” he said. “We made several appeals to the authorities, including the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the former Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, but nothing was done. Even the then Roads Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye, whose constituency is close to this area, did not help.”
Fatau added, “We are happy to see contractors back on site. We are praying that the government completes this and other abandoned projects in Kumasi for the benefit of all.”
Meanwhile, another resident, Kwabena Frimpong, whose house is located along the Emergency Road, expressed cautious optimism, raising concerns about the pace of work.
“I’m happy they have returned to site, but I’m not satisfied with the contractor’s commitment. Sometimes work doesn’t start until after 9 a.m. or even 10 a.m. I watch them every day. How can they complete the project on schedule?” he questioned.
He noted that while the resumption of work would help reduce the dust problem residents have endured for years, more urgency was needed.
“This kind of poor work attitude is worrying. I wish them well and hope they complete the project on schedule so we can finally get relief,” he said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
