Contrary to assurances given by the former President, John Dramnani Mahama that monies have been set aside for the construction of the controversial Bolgatanga-Bawku road, the Upper East regional Highways Engineer has indicated that work on the road has come to a halt due to lack of funds.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama during a sod cutting ceremony to commence the construction of the road which has been in a deplorable state for years assured the people of the Upper East region that construction of the Bolgatanga-Bawku road will not be challenged financially.
According to him, “any delay would not be as a result of funding”.
But addressing the media in a media engagement forum, the Upper East regional Highways Engineer, Philip Samwini has indicated that work on the road has come to a standstill because there is no money.
According to him, the company constructing the road,Queiroz Galvao is currently keeping a few of its staff to keep watch over their machines while waiting on the government to release funds so they can be able to continue their work.
He said:”Usually with contracts like this the money doesn’t come at once. The contractor works to a stage, raises certificate and when they are paid they will go back to the site but then if money is not in, contractors as they are they have to manage the project. Managing it means that slowing down and maintaining a skeletal staff to keep the equipment there while the government looks for funds to inject into the system. They have slowed down because they do not have money now”.
Engineer Philip Samwini also indicated that the construction of the Navrongo-Sandema road has also stalled due to lack of funding but expressed his optimism that work may soon start on the various roads in the region following allocations made in the 2018 budget.
Source:a1radioonline.com/Ghana
