The contractor working on the troubled Nsawam-Pokuase road is considering seeking an extension to the completion deadline for the project in the wake of new challenges encountered on the project.
Maripoma Limited is working out a recovery plan to fashion a more workable completion schedule for the road project after the cessation of work during the construction period.
Currently, the project is scheduled to end in April 2026, but the contractor says adverse weather conditions, particulary the rains, have impacted the delivery schedule.
This came to light as construction work resumed on the project, particularly on the stretch between Pobiman-Samsam junction, which had been in disrepair and caused significant traffic congestion.
The contractor resumed work on Saturday, August 16, following receipt of over $70 million from the government.
The project had stalled due to financial and compensation issues, resulting in multiple deadline changes.
According to engineers with Maripoma Limited, 74.5 per cent of the road has been completed, with remaining works limited to earthworks and pavement layering.
Bridge construction is largely completed except for the Nsawam junction underpass.
Also, relocation of utility lines, made up of water and electricity works, was hampered by legal issues of persons affected by the project.
An appeal for understanding has been made regarding dust management, as the contractor had the necessary resources to minimise dust and maintain a clean project area.
Public reaction
Drivers, traders, pedestrians and members of the travelling public who spoke to the Daily Graphic described the levelling of the road as a relief.
Ongoing construction works on the stretch
They said it was difficult to ply the route, but now it had become passable.
They added that although the situation was not bad, what they now had to contend with was dust.
A trip from the Pokuase stretch towards Nsawam showed that the road had become dusty following the levelling of that portion, affecting pedestrians, traders and passengers.
Some people had their noses covered with face masks and handkerchiefs, while others had their hair and eyebrows turning brownish as a result of the dust.
Traders selling clothing, vegetables and phone accessories, among other items, also had them covered in dust.
Passengers
Janet, Afia Owusua and Mama Lizzy said that although the road had seen some improvement, the dust was unbearable.
Mama Lizzy, for instance, showed this reporter palm fruits she had bought for GH¢200, all covered in dust.
“Just look at this, brother, this is what we are going through here.
“They need to water this place in the morning, afternoon and evening,” she said.
For her part, Afia said they were praying for some light showers to dampen the dust “so that we can breathe good air”.
“We don’t want the rain since it affects our business, but with the situation now, we don’t have a choice, Janet said.
Yaw Atta, a second-hand shoes seller, was seen brushing off the dust on the footwear he was selling.
A commercial driver plying the Amasaman stretch said the road had affected the condition of his vehicle.
Sulley Amandi lamented that the bumpy nature of the road had weakened the shock absorbers of his car.
“Yes, they have done something; the solution is for them to complete the road. We have suffered for far too long,” he said.
Another commercial driver, Yaw Collins, said he was frustrated going to the shop.
Motorbike riders
However, the delay in the completion of the road has become a blessing for motorbike riders who are cashing in on the situation.
One of the riders, who would not mention his name, agreed that they were benefiting from the situation.
The fares, for instance, on motorbikes from Amasaman to Sapeiman and beyond cost between GH¢20 to GH¢40.
Also, Amasaman to Sapeiman costs GH¢20 on a motorbike while commercial buses, ‘’trotros’’, charge about GH¢4.
Ofankor-Nsawam road project
The $346.47 million project started on July 20, 2022, and was scheduled to be completed on July 20, 2024.
The 33.4km road project has missed the initial July 20, 2024, completion date and the revised completion date of May 21, 2025.
The project includes the construction of four interchanges and flyovers at Amasaman, Pobiman, Medie and Nsawam Junction.
Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange
For the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange, the Resident Engineer for the project, Antwi Owusu Sekyere, said construction works had been halted as the contractor awaited funding from the government to complete work.
He said the second phase of the project was about 96 per cent complete, and added that the remaining works included the final laying of asphalt, road line markings and installation of traffic lights.
In addition to the remaining works, he mentioned the construction of a pedestrian footbridge over Ring Road West at the Awudome-Adjuma Crescent junction and connection of newly constructed storm drains with old ones from Pamprom to the Hyundai building and another on the Graphic road.
“Until we receive some funds from the government, we will not be able to continue work on the site,” he said.
Background
Construction of the second phase of the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange started in February 2021.
It is a three-tier flyover stretching from the Awudome Cemetery to the Abossey Okai Central Mosque, and underground storm drains around the area.
