Monday, September 7, 2009

MINISTER BEMOANS SHOODY ROAD PROJECTS (PAGE 20)

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Joe Gidisu, has expressed concern about the rate of deterioration of roads which were constructed barely two years ago.
He said the works of some contractors were unsatisfactory and that the contractors had been unfair to the people of Western Region and other parts of the country.
He said within a year or two after the completion of some of these roads, especially the Ayanfori-Asankragua and many other roads in the country, they had developed serious defects.
The minister told the Daily Graphic after the tour of the Western Region that the Ayanfori-Asankragua road which was constructed in 2005 should have taken between five and seven years before any defect should occur.
“But that is not the case; the contractors have not been fair to the people, the asphalt on these roads have been shoved to one side of the road and other areas have also developed huge potholes,” he said.
Asked what would be the sanction if any wrongdoing was found on the part of the contractors, the minister said they would lose their monies that was withheld by the government and possibly be blacklisted.
He said one thing contractors had to understand was that investment in the roads and other social infrastructures was for the comfort of the people; therefore, anything short of the expected value for the taxpayer would not be accepted.
Mr Gidisu used the opportunity to urge contractors to consider the larger interest of the public and the problem their shoddy works had on the country’s finances.

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