Ashanti Regional Minister, Mayor Inspect Ongoing Projects In Kumasi
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon Simon Osei Mensah and the Kumasi Mayor, Hon Osei Assibey Antwi, on Monday inspected some key on-going development projects within the Kumasi Metropolis.
The tour began with an inspection of the ongoing structural works at the Mother and Baby Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) whch was abandoned for 44 years.
Hon. Osei Mensah in an interview with Wontumi TV and Wontumionline.com stated that though he is a layman he is highly impressed with the work done so far especially, the efforts the contractor has put in making a thorough audit of the entire structure before applying steel or morta to reinforce it..
He admonished the contractor, Contracta Construction UK to execute a value for money and urged him that even if there should even be the need to make any alteration, not covered by the terms of his contract should go ahead and do it than to make a shoddy work.
“In some years to come, we would witness something extraordinary.” He said
Central Market Project
At the Central Market the Ashanti Regional Minister observed that, he is very grateful to the contractors and the consortium have jointly done a marvelous for the marvelous work even in the midst of the COVID-19.
“They are doing their best to complete the project on time and I’m grateful to them for creating space to allow petty trading to flourish
in the area,.for the local market and parking spaces.” He said
According to him, when the Kotoka International Airport is re-opened on Tuesday,he expects all materials urgently needed by the Technical team to be brought in on time from abroad to help speed up the process.
“This is the 2nd phase and I’m hopeful that the completion of the 3rd Phase there would be effective traffic flow.”
The Architect on site Tony Yeboah who works with Avangarde Design Service, said that their biggest challenge that has delayed the project has been the COVID-19.
He said that, some of the workers had to travel abroad and their absence slowed down the process.
He said that, the project which began in February 2020 is due for completion within 48 months or two years.
Mr. Yeboah indicated that, the project would be in 3 phases and about 11000 shops would be provided.
He disclosed that, there would also be the construction of an intricate road network to ease both vehicular and human traffic.
Kumasi International Airport Project
At the Kumasi International Airport project site, Hon. Osei Mensah commended the contractors for the good work done so far but regretted that had it not been the COVID-19 pandemic works would have far advanced.
“I am hoping that, the June next year deadline for the completion of the project would be met.”
Nana Ametepe, the Project consultant with ADK Consultants said that, so far they have done about 74% of the project including phase 1 and 2 which measures about 10000 square meters.
“The phase 2 involves the terminal building while phase 3 will concentrate on the run way.”
Mr. Ametepe said that, there would be floor areas which would include departure, arrival VIP, VVIP lounge facilities as well as clinic.
According to him, two Boeing 737-800 planes can both land at the same time and still have space at the apron when the project is completed.
100 KM Roads Project
Hon Osei Mensah affirmed that, he is pleased with the fixation of the 55 million Euros urban road network which are Manhyia, Krofurom and Dichemso. The Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia cut the sod about a year ago for the project to commence.
He said that it is a double seal road not asphalted because cars don’t normally ply that route.
He however, urged the residents to stop washing their vehicles or spilling oils on to the road surfaces to make them durable.
“All deplorable nature of roads in the Region would be asphalted.” He assured.
The Ashanti Regional Minister strongly urged the road contractors to fix the roads well in order to have value for money.
