Sonitra dumps road project over cash

Sonitra, a road contractor that was contracted to rehabilitate the Nkawkaw-Atibie road in the Eastern Region by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, has moved its equipment from the project site.

According to sources, the decision was taken by the company due to lack of funds as it had not been paid since the commencement of the project.

Seth Acheampong, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mpraeso constituency, speaking on Obuoba Fm – an Nkawkaw-based radio station – said the contractor’s concern was primarily the non-payment of certificates since the commencement of work.

According to Mr Acheampong, when he met with the contractor, the latter had written to the chief director of the ministry of roads and highways with a copy to the office of the CEO of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA).

The MP for Nkawkaw, Eric Kwakye Darffur, told DAILY GUIDE that the government owes the contractor for 16 months which amounts to about GH¢14 million. He doubted the company’s ability to meet the January 2016 deadline as claimed by Elorm Anku, project consultant, even if funds are made available as early as possible.

The contract was awarded in 2012, but work commenced in July 2014 because of delay in clearance.