AESL to handle government projects - Minister

Samuel Atta Akyea, the Minister of Works and Housing, has affirmed the commitment of putting forward a proposal to Cabinet to ensure that all Ministry's infrastructural projects are undertaken by the Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL).

"I will push forward a policy to ensure that at least 80 per cent of the Ministry's infrastructural works is ceded to AESL because of the company's competency to handle such projects," he said.

The Minister gave the assurance in Accra when he inaugurated 10 new pick-ups and a 4x4 land cruiser vehicle bought by AESL to enhance its operations across the regions.

Mr Atta Akyea's assurance was in response to an appeal by the Board of AESL to government to give at least 80 per cent of all government projects to the company to handle.

The Minister said it was imperative for the country to have a synergy with government institutions, where every state job that was about to be rolled out was given to AESL to help in revenue generation.

He said "Every work that a private sector can do and it is found that AESL has the competitive edge to execute the project that work should be ceded to AESL since it would go a long way to promote the company".

The Minister posited that, AESL played a crucial role in developmental agenda, describing the company as "an army of architectural designs in all facet of projects, ranging from water engineers to geo-technical engineers.

He charged management to discharge their duty in an efficient, effective and transparent manner to attract public confidence, stressing that integrity in their operations would lead to brighter future for the company.

Touching on flood situation in the country, Mr Atta Akyea advised Ghanaians to desist from disposing garbage in open drains, which caused serious health consequences and loss of lives and property anytime it rained.

The Meteorological Agency forecasted heavy rains this year and advised people to take precautionary measures to prevent disaster.

Dr Kwame Asamoah, the Board Chairman of AESL, said since assuming office, the company took pragmatic measures to improve their fortunes.

This, he said, included; human resource audit, establishment of a well-defined disciplinary policies, internal financial control system which was consistent with Public Financial Management Act and branding AESL.

"As a Board, we believe firmly that delivery of performance rests on availability of the requisite resources, tools and logistics.

We recognize the value in this investment and have taken steps to provide these resources which will play an important role in the efficiency of our work and ensuring a robust monitoring system in discharging our duties".

He commended government for the unprecedented infrastructural developments that offered the AESL the opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities.

Some of these projects included; the rehabilitation of Esipon and Babayara stadia, the construction of numerous administrative blocks and staff bungalows for the six new district Assemblies, and the construction of several classrooms for Senior High Schools, Junior High Schools and primary schools.

AESL is a firm of consulting engineers, architects and surveyors under the Ministry of Works and Housing, which provide innovative and high quality services in the design and supervision of infrastructural projects.