Ashaiman: Road and drainage projects across the Ashaiman Municipality are approximately 70 percent complete, with Mr. Ernest Henry Norgbey, the Ashaiman Member of Parliament (MP), urging contractors who have suspended work to return to site and accelerate completion. Mr. Norgbey, along with Mr. Freeman Tsekpo, the Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), assembly members, and other stakeholders, conducted a site inspection to assess progress and identify challenges affecting timely project completion.
According to Ghana News Agency, the projects aim to improve road connectivity and address drainage and flooding issues, involving around 60 kilometers of drainage work, 45 kilometers of which are completed. Some sections require backfilling and finishing, while contractors move toward earthworks and bituminous surfacing. Mr. Norgbey highlighted that while many contractors have completed drainage work, the next stages involve earthworks and bitumen application.
Challenges remain as some contractors have yet to return to site, complicating the provision of firm completion dates. Provisional timelines depend on the physical presence and activity of contractors. Authorities are working to address operational challenges faced by contractors, balancing pressure to deliver with support for overcoming difficulties. Mr. Norgbey expects some issues to be resolved by the end of August, although this is a personal expectation rather than an official deadline.
The MP reassured residents of continued monitoring and advocacy for project completion, warning that contractors failing to make significant progress could face public scrutiny. Mr. Tsekpo commended residents for their cooperation in removing obstructive structures, facilitating construction access. He noted voluntary support in demolition efforts, enabling contractor access to necessary areas.
Some contractors are still working on unfinished drainage sections, with specific locations such as Lebanon and Fitter Line requiring completion. Drainage at Official Town is finished, and additional work is ongoing along the Afariwa route. The Afariwa-Newtown stretch will benefit from further road work, including earthworks and bituminous surfacing.
Mr. Tsekpo addressed road quality concerns, explaining that contracts are awarded by the central government with specified standards. Assembly engineers ensure compliance with these specifications. Properly sealed roads are expected to last over five years, with regular maintenance necessary to preserve condition.