EU Ambassador unhappy with construction delays on Tarkwa-Bogoso-Ayamfuri road

A four-member delegation led by Mr Claude Maerten, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, has paid a courtesy call on Mr Amin Amidu Suleiman, the Minister of Roads and Highways in Accra.

Mr Maerten congratulated Mr Suleiman on his assumption to office as Minister, and expressed the willingness of the Union to work closely with the Ghanaian government for development in the society.

The EU Ambassador lauded the co-operation between the EU and Ghana which had resulted in cordial relations and other mutual benefits.

Mr Maerten expressed concerns about the delays in the reconstruction of the 94.4 kilometer road from Tarkwa-Bogoso-Ayamfuri in the Western region funded by the EU at an estimated cost of $63 million and expected to be completed in June 24, 2014.

The EU Ambassador said from the delays, it is unlikely that the project will be completed as scheduled adding that their outfit are not ready to finance the project if the deadline is extended.

Mr Suleiman commended the EU delegation for the visit and said sourcing for suitable material for the project has caused delays in the project and that the initial quarry identified for chippings for the project was noted by expects not to be appropriate for construction of that road.

He said the contractor had located a suitable area at Obuasi to acquire the quarry adding that the contractor has given the assurance of completing the project in January 2015.

The 94.4 kilometer road is being constructed by Reynolds Construction Company Limited, with Gronmitj/Carl Bro and Comptran Engineers and planning Associates as the consultants and the Ghana Highway Authority as the implementing and supervising Agency.

Source: GNA