Contract For Takoradi Port Expansion Signed
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and Jan De Nul, an international dredging contractor, last Thursday signed a contract to undertake major expansion work at the Takoradi Port.
Richard Anamoo, Director-General of GPHA, initialed for his outfit while Filip Morobe, African Manager for Jan De Nul signed for the dredging contractor.
The contract, believed to be valued at about $200 million, will include the construction of breakwater, ore jetty and dredging.
It is the second part of phase one of the project which is expected to address maritime problems at the Takoradi port.
The project, which is being financed by a loan from the KBC Bank of Belgium by GPHA, is expected to be completed in about three years.
Speaking to journalists shortly after signing the contract, the Director-General pointed out that the Takoradi port, which was constructed in 1928, had not recorded any significant expansion, stressing that an expansion work was carried out in the late 1950s.
Mr. Anamoo said the project, when completed, would move the port from 14 metres to 16 metres to address congestion at the ports.
Calling on the chiefs and people of the area to exercise patience, Mr. Anamoo noted that most of the raw materials, which would be used in the construction, would be procured locally.
'For the next three years or more, these projects will offer a lot of job opportunities to the teaming youth and other professions who within the community and other parts of the country,' he commented and urged the youth, especially masons, painters, welders, carpenters amongst other professionals to explore the numerous opportunities.
Filip Morobe, who was satisfied with the contract, noted that the project would be completed on time.
Jan De Nul has the capacity to execute the contract even though this is not firm's first contract in Ghana, he indicated.
He mentioned that the firm had executed projects in other parts of Africa, adding that the company's track record was there for all to see.
The Board Chairman of the GPHA, Alhaji Abubakar Sumani, who was present at the contract signing ceremony, told media personnel that Jan De Nul was awarded the contract because of its ability.
He was hopeful the project would be executed on time to make the Takoradi Port the best in the sub-region.
From Razak Mardorgyz Abubakar, Tema