Work To Resume On Stalled Sofoline Interchange Project

The Roads and Highway Ministry is promising payment of outstanding debt to contractors working on the Sofoline Interchange in Kumasi.

Work on the reconstruction of Sunyani Corridor Roads has stalled for over three years due to government's failure to honour debts totaling over $23 million.

Roads Minister, Akwasi Amoako Atta, who blames the former government for unduly delaying the project says the NPP government will live up to expectations.

The Sofoline Interchange project which started in 2007 is 10-years behind scheduled.

The 100 percent government of Ghana- funded project is about 74 percent complete.

The five main components of the project include widening of the Komfo Anokye Hospital-Abuakwa Road and construction of an interchange at KATH and Sofoline.

It also involves the construction of five underpass bridges along the road.

Lack of funds and non-payment of compensation to property owners who were affected by the project, however, have stalled execution of the project.

This means 170 workers of the construction firm receive salaries while the job remains uncompleted.

Motorists and commuters have been left to their fate as they battle vehicular traffic, common at Komfo Anokye Hospital-Boggie Supermarket and the Apatrapa Junction-Abuakwa sections of the road.

Project consultant, Kwaku Boampong, told the Road Minister the major issue confronting the project is lack of funds.

According to Mr. Amoako Atta, the John Dramani-led administration left several unpaid road contracts, a situation he says has become a burden for the current administration.

"There are so many projects scattered across the nation started by the previous government and they have all stalled for lack of payment and it's across the nation-all over.

"That is why I am giving the assurance that the current government under the leadership of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that contractors are paid and we have paid so much within this short period that we came to power," he said.

Mr. Amoako Atta, however, urged the contractors to work diligently when the funds are released.

"Payment is going to be arranged but I will urge you that, you the consultant and contractors-all of you must work diligently when we start releasing money to you because for now onwards, we want to ensure value for money," he reiterated.