A major road infrastructure project in the Bono Region under President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship Big Push Agenda is facing potential setbacks following concerns over an alleged reduction in the scope of work by the Department of Urban Roads.
The 34-kilometre Sunyani Outer Ring Road project, awarded to Kofi Job Construction, is being developed as a dual carriageway but reportedly excludes critical median works.
Investigations by Kumasi Mail reveal that the absence of proper median construction has resulted in the formation of more than 20 major sinkholes along the median section of the road.
These sinkholes pose serious safety risks to motorists and nearby communities.
According to sources at the construction firm, the contractor has managed to fix seven of the sinkholes at its own expense, but 13 others remain unattended due to financial constraints.
A source within Kofi Job Construction disclosed that the company has formally notified the Department of Urban Roads and requested a review of the project scope to address the issue.
However, the source claims that these appeals have so far received no response.
Road construction expert Wilberforce Ntim warned that constructing a dual carriageway without completing the median works could have severe consequences.
“Leaving out the median in a dual carriage road compromises structural integrity and safety. It is a recipe for long-term failure,” he cautioned.
Residents of beneficiary communities, including Fiapre, Abesim, and New Dormaa, have also expressed growing concern over the situation.
They fear the current state of the project could endanger lives and undermine the quality of the road.
Community members are calling on President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governors Adgoza, to intervene and ensure that the median works are fully incorporated into the project.
Both residents and experts agree that completing the dual carriageway and median works simultaneously is critical to ensuring the durability, safety, and overall success of the project.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
