Ajumako: Persistent heavy rains, which unusually began in early May this year, are significantly challenging the implementation of a Big Push Project in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District of the Central Region. The pace of work, which was initially brisk, has slowed considerably in recent weeks due to continuous downpours. Many areas have become muddy and swampy, making them unsafe for some machinery to operate.
According to Ghana News Agency, the heavy-duty equipment, particularly tipper trucks that were actively transporting sand, stones, and boulders across the district, are now mostly stationary, with only a few machines remaining active. The President, John Mahama, had promised the transformation of the district into a construction hub as part of the Big Push project, which involves rehabilitating, upgrading, and constructing roads.
Messrs E-Speedway Construction Limited is responsible for a 111-kilometer road rehabilitation, including the Mankessim-Ajumako-Agona Swedru road and the Ajumako-Amanfopon road. Meanwhile, Messrs General Construction and Development Limited are handling the rehabilitation of the 22.6-kilometer Enyeme-Gomoa Oguaa - Ajumako Techiman road. Upon completion, these projects are expected to alleviate traffic on the main Accra-Takoradi highway and offer shorter routes for commuters traveling within the region.
The Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District, predominantly agrarian, stands to gain economically from these projects. Preparatory works have advanced in several areas, with routes graded and widened, and bridges and drainages constructed in some sections. However, the continuous rain is causing significant delays, with rivers overflowing and creating additional challenges for contractors.
The project manager for Messrs E-Speedway Construction Limited confirmed to the Ghana News Agency that earthworks had been suspended due to the rains, requiring several consecutive days of sunshine to resume. Despite the disruptions, the project is only one percent behind schedule, with preparations 98 percent complete. The project manager expressed commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and assured that work would continue around the clock once the rains subside.
Complications have arisen, such as the relocation of a deity at Asempenyi Junction, which has stalled progress due to community demands for compensation in the form of sheep and monetary offerings. Nevertheless, the project manager affirmed E-Speedway's dedication to completing the project using appropriate materials.
Expansion of the roadways has led to the demolition of many structures, and while some owners have been compensated, others await further engagement with contractors. Some affected residents have already begun vacating their properties, while others await compensation.
Residents of Ajumako Amia have faced isolation for over a month as road closures for bridge construction have left them stranded. The community has called on local MP and Finance Minister, Mr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for intervention. The situation has caused significant disruption to daily life and economic activities, with residents expressing urgency for resolutions to their predicament.