The Minister of Road Transport and Member of Parliament for the Nhyiaeso constituency in Kumasi, Dr. Richard Anane has asserted that it is only a perception that Ashanti region and for that matter, the people of Kumasi have not benefited from the government of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
It is not true that the NPP has done nothing for the people of the Ashanti region and Kumasi in particular, Anane defended.
He believes the people have got their fair share of the national cake in terms of infrastructure developments throughout the country and made references to road constructions, which are on-going in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing after an inspection of road construction projects in Kumasi and its environs, Dr. Anane stated that since it has become a pendulous issue that the government has done nothing for the city with its attendant disillusionment of the people, "we are going to package the projects for them to see."
Projects inspected by the Minister included the Asafo market-TUC roundabout interchange, the 46.1 kilometre Kumasi-Konongo road, Bekwai-Kunatanse-Ejisu road and some intra-city roads in Kumasi.
At the Asafo market-TUC roundabout interchange, which is being constructed by an Italian Company - Sarroch Granula-Gelfi JV, Dr. Anane expressed dissatisfaction about the slow pace of work.
He indicated that even though the company has genuine problems, work on the interchange had delayed more than expected and directed that the company start building all the access roads to enable it work on the bridge. He, however, stated that the contractor had met specifications needed.
The interchange, which completion is expected at the end of this year, will have two overpass bridges and four ramps with interconnection link roads to ease the excessive traffic congestion in the metropolis.
According to the project-supervising engineer, Mr. James Awotwie, the project would last for 50 years when completed, provided strict maintenance culture is adhered to.
Minister Anane also expressed the same sentiment on the 39.7 kilometre Bekwai-Kuntanase-Ejisu road, being constructed at the cost of ¢ 39 billion, but attributed the delay to what he termed as "complexity of things."
The said road forms part of the Highway sector investment project with funds from the German government.
He disclosed that since there are too many curves on the road, it is expected that the contractor would do more re-alignment to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, the Road and Transport Minister, as part of his inspection, visited the on-going Tafo Nhyiayeso-Moshi Zongo rehabilitation road and the Neoplan Assembling Company currently assembling 100 buses for the Metro Mass Transport Company Limited.
