Accra: Major road and bridge projects under the government's 'Big Push' infrastructure agenda in the Oti Region are progressing steadily, with contractors actively working on multiple sites across the region, Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong has disclosed. The Minister made this known during an engagement with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the government's development programme on Thursday.
According to Ghana News Agency, the projects are aimed at improving road connectivity, easing transportation challenges, and stimulating economic activities in underserved communities across the region. The 'Big Push' initiative is targeting critical road corridors and township roads to improve access to trade, agriculture, healthcare, and education services. Mr. Gyapong stated that the government remained committed to completing key road networks that had remained in poor condition for years, thereby reducing travel time and transportation costs for residents.
Key projects currently underway include the Dambai township roads, Dambai-Nkwanta road, Nkwanta-Kpassa road, Kpassa-Domanko road, Pepesu-Nkwanta road, Kadjakrom-Kwamekrom road, and the Jasikan-Bodada road, Tetema-Old, Baika-New, and Baika-Lolobi stretch. Other strategic projects include the Jasikan township-Santrokofi road and the proposed Oti River bridge project linking Dambai to the Nchumuru enclave.
Providing updates on the Dambai-Nkwanta road project, the Minister mentioned that contractors had commenced culvert construction, drainage works, and reshaping deteriorated sections in preparation for the first phase of asphalt works. 'Significant groundwork is ongoing on this stretch, and residents will soon witness visible improvements,' Mr. Gyapong stated. On the Pepesu-Nkwanta road, he said contractors were clearing damaged sections and filling potholes with chippings ahead of asphalt overlay works to improve vehicular movement and safety.
The Minister noted that the Nkwanta-Kpassa road project was also progressing steadily, with some sections completed while drainage and culvert work continued in the remaining portions. Extensive construction activities in Kpassa township were gradually transforming the area, with asphalt works expected to commence within the coming weeks. Works on the Kpassa-Domanko road are equally ongoing, with contractors working continuously to accelerate progress and improve connectivity between the two communities.
Touching on the Kadjakrom-Kwamekrom road project, Mr. Gyapong disclosed that six bridges were being constructed along the corridor. Four of the bridges had already been completed, while work on the remaining two was expected to be finalised by the end of May. Drainage systems and road widening activities are also underway to ensure all-weather access for commuters and traders along the route. The completed bridges are expected to help end years of seasonal isolation experienced by several farming communities in the area.
On the proposed Oti River bridge project, the Minister stated that engineers and contractors were currently preparing the project site and putting up operational structures ahead of the commencement of the main bridge works. He disclosed that the major construction phase of the bridge was expected to begin by the end of May, with foundational works projected to start simultaneously at three sections of the project area. The bridge, when completed, is expected to significantly reduce travel time for residents in the Nchumuru enclave and improve access to markets, schools, and healthcare services in Dambai and surrounding communities.
Mr. Gyapong assured residents that the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, would closely supervise all ongoing projects to ensure quality work and value for money. 'We will not sit in our offices and approve payments for work not done. Certificates for payment will only be signed after on-site inspections are carried out and we are satisfied with the quality of work executed,' he stressed. He urged residents to remain confident in the government's development agenda and continue supporting efforts aimed at transforming the Oti Region through improved infrastructure.