The US Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has committed $12,338,958 for road construction on the Bontrase, Awutu-Senya Road in the Central Region and its link roads in the Eastern Region in order to support the Millennium Development Authority’s (MIDA) aim of intensifying horticultural production in the agricultural areas.
Rehabilitation of the 74 kilometer feeder road which is expected to be completed within 18 months would be grouped into two separate contracts with Lots EC2 comprising four road segments and Lots EC3 comprising five road networks.
The roads to be reconstructed include connections between Budumburam-Apra (4.14 km), Amanfrom-Bawjiase (10.75 km), Ofaakor-Loye-Apra (11.34 km), Awutu Breku-Bontrse-Obrakyire (18.93km), Droboro-Chinto (5.24km) and Akoti-Desum-Kwanyako (7.25 km).
The rest are Kofi Kwei-Sakyikrom-Adoagyiri (9.52 km) and Maame Dede Junction-Duayeden (3.39 km).
The Board Chairman of MIDA, Professor Samuel Sefa-Dedeh who explained these at the sod-cutting ceremony said that the reconstruction under the Transportation Project of MCA would improve the road infrastructure network in the Eastern and Central regions to enhance food cultivation.
He however expressed worry about how poor road infrastructure had inhibited the expansion of agricultural opportunities due to bad linkages of the roads.
In view of this, he appealed to all those would be affected by the project to cooperate with the consultants in charge of Environment Management and Re settlements and the constructors since MIDA would compensate all Project Affected Persons (PAP).
A speech read by Joe Gidisu, Minister for Roads and Highways on behalf of the Vice President, John Mahama, stated that he was grateful for Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) intervention which had made it possible for a number of vital feeder road linkages to be upgraded especially in the Akuapem South Municipality Assembly and the Awutu Senya District.
“These hitherto poor road corridors, when completed would affect the lives of our famers and bring joy and relief to people who ply the road daily to transact business and many others who would invest in these beneficiary communities,” he added.
He disclosed that government under the MCA program would commit itself to ensuring that regular routine and periodic maintenance would be carried out to sustain full returns on investment made in the roads.
He however advised road contractors, Messrs GKL, Kamsad JV and the Supervising Consultant, Rom Consult Limited “to build it well, finish it within the stipulated time and leave it as a legacy to Ghanaians.”
On his part, Chief Executive Director of MCC, Daniel Yahannes noted that commitment of the fund for the reconstruction was as a result of US President Barrack Obama visit to the country last July where he pledged his support for the country and Africa as a whole.
“In our interconnected global economy, what happens in Ghana matters to Americans and what happens in America matters to Ghanaians,” he pointed out.
According to the Chief of town, Nana Agyeman Larbi Otabil who spoke on behalf of the people, though the region contributes a lot to the economy, it is described as one of the poorest in the country with its accompanied bad roads compelling farmers to walk long distances to sell their produce.
Notwithstanding, he said the town is very grateful for the project and congratulated MIDA for its immense support to the community.