The chief resident engineer for the Pokuase-Nsawam Highway project, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, has announced that the scheduled July 2024 completion date for the construction works will be delayed and extended.
Ing. Bempong explained that the extensive work remaining makes it impossible to meet the initial July deadline. Speaking in an interview, he mentioned that while the deadline will not be met, the project’s contractor has yet to submit a revised completion date.
He stated that they have requested the contractor to provide a revised program and emphasized that for a project of this magnitude, an extension of time must be approved by the Ministry of Roads and Highways before any new dates can be confirmed.
As of now, the official completion date remains July, but it is acknowledged that this is not feasible, and the contractor must provide compelling reasons for the delay.
Ing. Bempong attributed the delay to the relocation of utility lines and the compensation of individuals affected by the project. He noted that the relocation of electricity, water, and communication lines, as well as longitudinal drains, are significant factors contributing to the delay.
Additionally, issues related to the relocation of people affected by the project, including litigation and attempts to halt the project, have further complicated progress. Despite being two years into the project, some utility lines remain in the road space.
