The Pokuase-Nsawam Highway project has hit a snag, with the chief resident engineer, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, announcing that the initial July 2024 completion date will no longer be feasible. The project’s extensive scope and ongoing challenges have made it impossible to meet the original deadline.
Ing. Bempong explained that the contractor will need to submit a revised project timeline, which will require approval from the Ministry of Roads and Highways. Until then, no new completion date can be confirmed.
The delays are attributed to the complex process of relocating utility lines, including electricity, water, and communication lines, as well as the compensation and relocation of affected individuals. Some property owners have even taken legal action, seeking injunctions against the project, further complicating the process.
Despite being two years into the project, some utility lines remain in the road space, hindering progress. Ing. Bempong emphasized that the contractor must provide compelling reasons for the delay and a revised programme to move the project forward.
The extension of time and resources will likely impact the project’s overall cost and scope, but the authorities are working to ensure its successful completion. The Pokuase-Nsawam Highway project is a critical infrastructure development aimed at enhancing transportation and economic growth in the region.
