Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has assured that thirty-two key road projects across Ghana will be completed and handed over within two years, with a robust regime of enforcement, supervision, and penalties to ensure delivery.
In an interview with Citi FM on Thursday, 31 July, the Minister revealed that the necessary commencement certificates had been secured and that procurement processes were currently underway to mobilise contractors to the site.
“The commencement certificate has been obtained, and we are now in the procurement process to get these contractors to the site. The contract is two years, so the 32 roads will be completed in 24 months from start to finish and handed over,” he explained.
Mr Agbodza emphasised that this new approach would mark a clear departure from previous project management styles, stressing that all contracts would include penalty clauses to discourage delays.
“Unlike the past, we are writing into the contract that if you delay for three months without any justification, we will terminate the work immediately without further notice,” he stated.
Contractors, he added, would be required to work continuously, with provisions for 24/7 construction written into the agreements.
The Minister also issued a firm warning to both contractors and consultants, indicating that poor quality work and weak oversight would no longer be tolerated.
“Don’t be surprised that you’re going to see us being quite tough on contractors and consultants. We end up with bad roads because of lapses in supervision,” he said.
He further revealed that new contracts would include professional indemnity clauses, enabling government to recover funds from contractors in cases of substandard work.
“If the road fails, we will be very firm in cashing out that money to restore the road,” Mr Agbodza cautioned.
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