The Member of Parliament for Nabdam, Dr. Mark-Kurt Nawaane, has disclosed that a contractor selected to undertake works on the long-awaited Asonge–Zanlerigu–Damolgo–Tindongo–Pelungu road is awaiting a commitment letter before mobilising to the site.
Speaking at the commissioning of a maternity block in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region, the MP assured residents that efforts were underway to ensure the project takes off, stressing that the road has been captured under the Department of Feeder Roads and remains a priority for the government.
Dr. Nawaane used the occasion to dismiss claims that roads in the Upper East Region had been excluded from the government’s development agenda, particularly the much-publicised “Big Push” initiative.
According to him, many people have misconstrued the focus of the Big Push programme, explaining that it is largely targeted at major highway projects across the country, while most roads in the Upper East Region fall under the feeder roads category.
He noted that Members of Parliament from the region are actively engaging government agencies and relevant ministries to ensure feeder roads receive the needed attention and financing.
“As for roads, this government is committed to working on them. The Big Push is mainly about highways, and many people have heard about that. But resources are also being organised for us to work on feeder roads,” he said.
The MP revealed that he had successfully pushed for the inclusion of the critical road linking Asonge, Zanlerigu, Damolgo, Tindongo, Pelungu, and extending to Sakoti on the list of feeder roads earmarked for intervention.
He said interested contractors had already been identified, and discussions held with the Department of Feeder Roads to facilitate the commencement of work.
“I was with a contractor about five or six days ago and we visited the national feeder roads office to find out how far the process had gone. We were informed that the commitment letter is not yet ready,” Dr. Nawaane explained.
He added that government procedures require contractors to obtain a commitment letter before beginning any project and indicated that further engagements would be held with the Minister for Roads and Highways to expedite the process.
The MP disclosed that he had personally contacted the Roads Minister in Parliament regarding the matter and was invited to meet the Minister together with the contractor to explore ways of securing the release of the commitment letter.
Dr. Nawaane therefore urged residents not to conclude that the road project had been abandoned, insisting that continuous engagements were taking place behind the scenes to ensure the project becomes a reality.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
