The dual carriage road project from Bekwai Roundabout to Santasi Roundabout has been abandoned halfway due to a lack of funds, leaving the community and local businesses severely impacted.
The 3.2-kilometer project, which was being handled by China Geo Construction Ltd, has stalled, causing excessive dust pollution and bringing commercial activities along the stretch to a standstill.
Community and Business Hardships
The halted project has led to significant challenges for both residents and businesses. Many have been forced to close their doors as they are unable to cope with the conditions created by the unfinished road.
A furniture shop located opposite Abusua FM/Ultimate FM has already shut down, while a nearby salon owner has warned that she may also be forced to close in the coming months if the road is not completed.
“The constant dust has driven away my customers, making it hard to keep the business running,” she told Kumasimail.com.
Contractors Struggle Due to Lack of Funds
Sources within China Geo Construction confirmed the halt, citing a severe lack of funds as the reason. “We don’t even have money to buy petrol to fill our cars,” said a source from the company. They added that the financial struggles have left them unable to water the road to control the dust, worsening the situation for the community.
The dust and disruption have led to the collapse of two washing bays in the area. A car dealer who operates a nearby garage said that he can no longer afford to wash cars regularly due to rising water bills. His garage, which once accommodated 50 cars, now holds fewer than 15 as customers no longer visit.
A newly opened restaurant, in business for less than two years, has also closed down, with the impact of the road conditions being too great to sustain operations.
Economic Impact
Our team visited the area and observed that about 15 businesses have shut down, including well-known establishments such as Abusua FM/Ultimate FM, Paa Solo Tyres, and several salons and furniture shops. Other affected businesses include Charis Avenue Fashion, Well-Lit Ventures (which trades in home appliances), Gilat Chemist Ltd, two washing bays, two car garages, and a bank.
Hope for Funds and Completion
China Geo Construction is expected to complete the road by December, but company sources warned that without financial support from the government, they cannot resume work. “We hope the government will release funds next week, but if they don’t, we won’t be able to continue,” the source stated.
For now, the community and local businesses remain in limbo, waiting for the government to act and provide the funds needed to finish the road and alleviate the hardship.
This report highlights the serious economic and social impact of abandoned infrastructure projects, especially on small businesses and local communities, and underscores the urgent need for government intervention to resolve funding issues.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
