The government has taken decisive action regarding the construction of the Agenda 111 hospital project in the Nabdam district, terminating the contract with the original contractor and reassigning the project to two separate contractors. As a result of this, work has resumed at the foundation level and that marks a significant step forward in the realization of the project.
Construction of the Agenda 111 hospital project in the Nabdam district started in April 2021 by a construction firm known as T.K Waters. However, the contractor who had abandoned the work had his agreement with the government terminated and it was re-awarded to two contractors, BBB Company and Askar Company.
Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, on a visit to the project site at Nangodi, explained that the contract with the earlier contractor was terminated for lack of commitment on the part of the contractor.
“He wasn’t doing anything. In fact, the job was abandoned. I came here some time ago and after that, the guy just abandoned the place. I don’t think it was because of lack of funds because others in other districts are almost completing and all of them were at the same level, payment, and everything”
Mr. Yakubu underscored the government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare infrastructure to communities in need.
“There were processes before the contract was terminated. It has taken us about 2 years or so and we’ve been chasing him. All the legal things have gone through and we’ve given it to new contractors and they working on it. I think we should commend the government for the commitment it has, specifically, for the people of Nabdam”, he stated.
The sod cutting for the construction of the Agenda 111 hospital project in the Nabdam district in April 2021 was met with high expectations from community members in need of improved medical services. However, the delays and challenges in the construction of the project witnessed a protest on 24th May 2023, staged by residents of Nabdam and led by the Queen Mother of Sekote who doubles as Chairperson of the Nabdam District Health Committee, Pognab Grace Bewong.
“Very desirous for the project, the chiefs and people of the Nabdam Traditional Area, negotiated with farmers and community members to volunteer by giving out 100 acres of their farmlands for the project only to allow the project to become a standstill”, Pognab Bewong lamented.
But speaking to A1 Radio, District Chief Executive for Nabdam, Agnes Anamoo indicated that the decision to terminate the contract with the original contractor and reassign the project to two separate contractors is seen as a strategic move to expedite progress and ensure the timely completion of the hospital.
“We have two contractors now working on the site and they started just last month and this is what has gone so far. You can see a lot of materials all over and this shows the commitment. They promised that in two months’ time when we come here, we will see the progress of work. The Queen Mother of Sekote, being chairperson of the health committee was here with her team the day before yesterday and they were all happy that work is in progress”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Nabdam|Ghana
