By Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has urged contractors involved in the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project to accelerate construction efforts to minimize flooding risks in the capital city ahead of the rainy season.
This directive was issued during a meeting held on Friday, April 12, 2024, with project coordinators and contractors to discuss and resolve delays hindering the progress of this crucial initiative.
“We’ve assessed how far the project is going and we’ve had a number of site visits to see for ourselves the kind of work that’s going on. After this appraisal, it’s fair for us to say that the project is not moving as quickly as we all expected,” he said.
The Minister outlined several challenges impeding the project’s progress. Initially, the project framework necessitated a two-step review process for each task, causing undue delays. Compensating residents affected by the project to facilitate work in specific areas also faced setbacks.
Moreover, the Minister identified instances where contractors departed from project specifications without obtaining prior approval. Of particular concern was a significant delay resulting from reallocating a substantial portion of project funds, estimated at $65 million, towards COVID-19-related expenses.
Addressing the Hurdles
The Minister outlined a series of measures to tackle these challenges. To address the compensation delays, he announced that provisions have been made to ensure swift payments to affected residents, freeing up critical work areas.
On the financial front, Mr Oppong Nkrumah reassured contractors that the government is actively working with Parliament to make available the outstanding funds, including the diverted $65 million.
A Race Against Time
While acknowledging the challenges, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the urgency of the completion of the GARID projects. He said the impending rainy season poses a serious threat to flood-prone communities hence, contractors must act swiftly to safeguard lives and infrastructure.
He reassured contractors of the Ministry’s support in providing the needed support to ensure work progresses with speed.
