By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), July 27, GNA – Stakeholders involved in the implementation of the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Market Project have expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the 24-Hour Market under construction at Tapa Abotoase in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region.
The assessment followed a joint inspection of the project site by officials from Fast Thinkers Consult, the project consultant, the Biakoye District Assembly, traditional authorities and other key stakeholders to evaluate the pace and quality of work and address any challenges affecting implementation.
The inspection team was led by the Biakoye District Chief Executive, Mr Eric Opong Kwaku, District Engineer, traditional leaders headed by Nana Osei Bonsu I, Tapa Abotoasehene and Gyasehene of the Tapa Traditional Area, as well as the Assembly Member for the Aboabo Electoral Area, Mr Otumfuo Theophilus.
The contractor executing the project, conducted the delegation around the site, and explained the various components of the modern market complex.
According to the contractor, the facility will comprise modern trading stalls, lockable stores, cold rooms for the preservation of perishable goods, a Ghana National Fire Service office, a Police Post to enhance security.
Otheres are a daycare centre to support working parents, a Women’s Development Bank facility to improve access to financial services and other essential amenities aimed at promoting business growth and improving the local economy.
The inspection formed part of routine monitoring activities to assess the quality of work, ensure adherence to project specifications and timelines, and identify any operational or technical challenges requiring immediate attention.
Stakeholders also used the opportunity to discuss measures to strengthen collaboration among the contractor, the District Assembly, traditional authorities, and the local community to facilitate the timely completion of the project.
The contractor informed the delegation that construction was progressing steadily with minimal challenges and attributed the smooth implementation of the project to the cooperation and support received from the Assembly, traditional leaders and residents of Tapa Abotoase.
The contractor expressed optimism that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the project would be completed within the scheduled timeframe while maintaining the required quality standards.
The Project Consultant, representatives of the Biakoye District Assembly and the traditional authorities commended the contractor for the satisfactory pace of work and the quality of construction observed during the inspection.
Speaking after the inspection, the District Chief Executive, Mr Eric Opong Kwaku, urged the contractor to maintain the current standard of work and ensure that every aspect of the project met the required specifications.
He appealed to residents, Assembly Members and opinion leaders to take ownership of the project by monitoring the works and promptly reporting any defects or suspected substandard construction to the District Assembly for immediate intervention.
Mr Opong noted that the 24-Hour Market Project was expected to create employment opportunities, improve access to modern trading facilities, and stimulate economic activities in Tapa Abotoase and surrounding communities upon completion.
Traditional authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the successful execution of the project and called on residents to continue cooperating with the contractor to ensure the market is completed on schedule.
The 24-Hour Market Project forms part of the Government’s broader 24-Hour Economy initiative aimed at expanding commercial activities, improving market infrastructure, and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the country.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey benamba