By Emmanuel Gamson
Agona Amenfi (W/R), Oct. 28, GNA – Mr Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister, has cautioned the contractor executing the Amenfi Central District 24-Hour Economy Market project to accelerate work or risk having the contract terminated.
He gave the caution during a visit to the project site to inspect progress following concerns raised by traditional leaders and residents over the slow pace of work, despite the contractor, TEK Constructions, moving to site in August.
The project, which has an 18-month completion period, is currently about 15 per cent complete.
Mr Nelson described the pace of work as unsatisfactory and directed the contractor to take immediate steps to improve progress.
“My observation is that work has not progressed as expected. We have communicated this effectively to the contractor’s representatives, and they have indicated that they are putting measures in place to fasten the pace of work.
“We will be observing from today what the progress is going to be like. This is very important to the people of Amenfi Central,” he said.
The Regional Minister noted that the project was of significant importance to residents because the market was the largest in the district, raising expectations for its timely completion.
He warned that the Government would not hesitate to terminate and re-award the contract if the contractor failed to demonstrate satisfactory progress.
Mr Nelson cited the Mpohor 24-Hour Market project, where a contract was terminated due to non-performance, as an example of measures that could be taken against contractors who failed to deliver.
“I have indicated to them that in places where contractors have not been up and doing, like the situation in Mpohor, the contract will be terminated and re-awarded.
“It doesn’t matter that they have dug this foundation here, if the work doesn’t progress as expected, we will have to take a decision on them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Emmanuel Mensah, Project Engineer for TEK Constructions, attributed some of the delays to persistent rainfall, which had disrupted construction activities, particularly the planned casting of foundation footings.
He, however, assured the Regional Minister that the company was taking steps to address the setbacks and maintain steady progress towards completion.
Mr Mensah said the company was mobilising additional resources and accelerating work to ensure the project was completed within the stipulated timeframe despite the challenges posed by the weather.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson
Email: [email protected]