GHA undertakes rehabilitation works on Tinkong and Nyamebekyere Road in E/Region
The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) is undertaking emergency rehabilitation works on sections of the road between Tinkong and Nyamebekyere in the Eastern Region.
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As a result, the Koforidua-Mamfe road was yesterday closed to traffic. Motorists, therefore, had to use the Aburi-Nsawam, Nsawam-Suhum, Adukrom-Nkurakan roads to Koforidua.
The closure lasted for about six hours.
During an inspection of the road, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Atta, said in as much as the closure was regrettable, it had become necessary to ensure that the damaged portions of the road, precipitated by severe erosion due to the recent heavy rainfalls, were repaired.
The minister, who was accompanied by officials from the GHA, including the Eastern Regional Maintenance Engineer, Mr Emmanuel Odai, visited the two most affected sections,Tinkong and Nyamebekyere.
Works
The rehabilitation works would be carried out by Achwek Limited, a local contractor at the cost of GH¢120,000 and would take 6 weeks to complete.
According to Mr Amoako-Atta, the Eastern Regional Bridge Maintenance Unit of the GHA will supervise the work to ensure value for money.
“All the necessary steps and materials, as well as logistics, have been put in place and we are going to provide all needed support to rehabilitate the road,” he assured.
The minister added that, “we are aware the notice period is inadequate but this is an emergency measure and we have no alternative.”
He expressed the hope that the work would be completed within the stipulated time.
Concerns
Mr Amoako-Atta expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as shoddy work done on portions of the road by a contractor working on that side of the corridor. He said the ministry would not tolerate such practices and warned that his outfit would take appropriate action against such contractors.
“Engineers who supervise shoddy and unprofessional work done by such contractors would also be dealt with.
There are a lot of good contractors who have the expertise and competencies who are not getting the contracts, rather people who have no knowledge and know nothing get the job, and it’s amazing who gives it to them,” the minister added.
According to him, contracts of such unprofessional firms would be terminated on the basis of poor performance and also blacklisted to give way to others who had the expertise and competence.