Phase two of the ongoing construction work on the Suame Interchange project in the Ashanti Region will be ready and opened to traffic by the end of October this year.
That component of the main project which is currently 87 per cent complete involves the construction of three overpasses at Anoamangye, Maakro and Abusuakruwa.
The project which is being executed by Rango Construction Company Limited includes the widening of the Offinso Road (N10) into a 2 × 3-lane dual carriageway, which is currently 77 per cent complete.
The Resident Engineer, Dennis Kusi Boateng, said the completion and eventual opening of phase two of the project would bring relief to motorists and allow the contractor to concentrate on phase one of the project.
Completed local roads
Already, 15km of urban town roads have been completed alongside improvements to select intersections and currently in use.
The completion of the road was to help create diversion for the road users, especially when the contractor blocks sections of the road as part of the construction works.
The phase one of the project which is expected to be completed in 2028 comprises the construction of the three-tier interchange at Suame, two overpasses at Abrepo and Krofrom junctions and the widening of the eastern and western bypass roads.
Tour
Mr Boateng disclosed these when the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, last Friday, inspected the progress of work on the Suame interchange project as part of a working tour of the Ashanti Region.
Accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Alhassan S. Suhuyini, and a team from the ministry and the Ghana Highways Authority, they also inspected ongoing construction of the Kumasi outer ring road, Santasi roundabout to Bekwai roundabout road as well.
He said “the whole of the local roads component, including all the overpasses will be ready by the stipulated period and handed over to the government for use”.
He used the occasion to thank the Suame Municipal Assembly for their assistance in removing four structures that were within the right of way without any resistance by the owners.
Challenges
On challenges faced in the execution of the project, he mentioned that two additional structures that needed to be pulled down to enable the contractor to work.
He expressed concern about recalcitrant artisans around the enclave who continuously destroyed concrete works that had been done, stressing “being done repeatedly draws back contractor”.
“The slow pace of work as a result of such happenings makes it very difficult for the contractor to speed up the project to deliver it ahead of schedule. Even after concrete works, people deliberately step on it even though it had not hardened” he stated.
Significant improvement
Mr Agbodza commended the engineer and the department of urban roads for the work done on the project so far and said “indeed, from the last time we were here, we have seen significant improvement”.
He said “I am happy that we have a date for the possible completion of the phase two. Surely, the residents of Asanteman will drive on phase two within the Christmas period”.
He noted that the redesigning of the main Suame interchange to three-tier had led to saving of funds to provide extra capacity for the project, adding “we are investing over GH¢3 billion to construct the bypass.
For his part, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, lauded the sector minister for the visit, saying it had spurred on the contractor to fast-track the completion of the much-awaited project.
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