By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and progress of work by Justmoh Construction Limited on the Takoradi-Agona Junction Road.
“I am impressed with the quality of work on this 23-kilometre road. This road is strategic and serves a lot of people in the country,” he said.
He however expressed concern about heavy-duty trucks that carry raw materials such as bauxite, manganese and use the road instead of the rail line.
“This is a challenge and one of the reasons our roads don’t last – and our railway system which is in a deplorable state needs to be addressed,” the minister said.
Mr. Agboadza admitted that the contractor faces lot of challenges, including non-payment or not honouring the number of certificates he has raised among others – and assured that the challenges will be resolved.
Ing. Kofi Adjei Frimpong, Consultant of the Project, Comptran Engineering and Planning Associate briefing the Road Minister, said JUSTMOH has no problem with construction materials and continues to work despite delays in payment for work done so far.
He also pointed out that one of the difficulties has to do with inadequate money for compensation.
He clarified that the outstanding compensation for affecting residents and the utilities is about GH¢35million.
“One significant hope for this project is that the contractor is recycling the asphalt. We do not have problems with the construction materials so far,” he added.
Dr. Justice Amoh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)-Justmoh Construction Limited, explained that the project is about 51% complete – surpassing the planned schedule of 47.10% as at now.
“Very soon the rains will set in and we have to cover a lot before they rains. We plead with road users to exercise a lot of restraint. Within the next six months, the traffic situation will improve,” he said.
He mentioned some of the project challenges as non-payment of contractors Interim Payment of Certificate (IPC) compensation to affected persons, as well as water and electricity services among others.
Responding, Minister of Roads and Highways Mr. Agbodza assured Justmoh that certificates and payment on the construction will be solved soon.
About the project
The rehabilitation and dualisation of Takoradi-Agona Junction including two dual carriageway bridges has the Ministry of Roads and Highways and Ghana Highways Authourity as the implementing ministry and agency respectively.
The project commenced on March 19, 2024 with 36 months duration and is expected to be completed by March 19, 2027.
Scope of work
The project’s total length is 23 km, made up of 3.4km rehabilitation of existing dual carriageway and dualisation of 19.6km of existing single carriageway as well as four concrete bridges – two at Apremdo and two at Ewusiajoe.
Installation of roads signs, road markings, crash barriers and kilometre-posts will also be implemented.
