The current state of the project
Residents and motorists in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in particular have heaved a sigh of relief after learning that construction works on the halted PTC Interchange in Takoradi would resume before the end of September this year.
According to the residents whose daily lives are greatly affected by the halted interchange construction, the news is reassuring.
The PTC Interchange, the first in the Western Region initiated by the current government was originally to be completed in July 2023.
However, the project encountered a suspension in January this year. It was alleged that the halting of the project was part of the conditionalities of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The suspension of the project was a great source of worry to the motorists who ply the road and commuters who use the area on daily basis and also considering how close it is to the Central Business District of Takoradi.
Some of the residents asserted that the suspension of the project phase l has been a major challenge, considering the slowdown in productivity. “Aside that, the dust is causing health problems for those who live around. So it is urgent that they resume work as soon as possible”.
The news about the resumption of the construction of the project by the end of September has therefore brought relief to the affected individuals.
The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Takoradi disclosed the date for the resumption of the project during community engagements he organized within Takoradi Amanful and New Takoradi.
The Takoradi MP initiated the community engagements to foster closer connections with his constituents and to understand their challenges better.
During the event, the delay in the construction of the interchange was a common concern raised by residents.
The minister said ever since the project was stopped government has been in constant engagements with the financiers and relevant stakeholders adding, “some agreements have been reached and work will resume before September ends.”
He explained that the halt in the project was due to certain negotiations and agreement with the financiers and other stakeholders.
In a related development some residents at Mpohor in the region have bemoaned the unusual delay in executing the 16-kilometer Kejebir-Mpohor road.
President Nana Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the commencement of the project in June 2018 but for some unknown reasons, it has stalled.
The project which was initially funded by the Road Fund was repurposed and allocated for funding from the Cocoa Roads project to ensure its completion on time.
According to the residents, despite all the arrangements, contractors have failed to deliver as expected.
“The people of Mpohor matter so all stakeholders must ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible”, they stressed.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi