World Bank Released $12m For Accra Central Roads

The World Bank has released an amount of $12million for the reconstruction and expansion works on roads in Accra Central Business District (CBD). The amount forms part of the $56milion required to reconstruct the entire road network in the CBD. Works to be carried out on the roads include the widening of the roads, the strengthening of pavements, and the provision of walkways, among others. The roads are the Barnes, Kinbu, Derby Avenue, Okaitei Nettey, Asafoatse Nettey, Commercial Fearon, Amoanakwa, Hansen and the High Street roads.

The rest are the Abossey Okai, Selwyn Market Street, Zongo Lane, Pagan Amu Wristberg, Tudu Crescent, Granville Avenue, Clement Papafio and Kimberly Avenue roads.

In all, work will be undertaken on more than 25 kilometers of roads in the metropolis. Additionally, three bridges in the area will be constructed. They are the Old Winneba Road bridge, the High Street/Guggisberg Avenue bridge and the Abossey Okai bride. Four major roads in the central business district: the commercial street, clement Papafio, Granville Avenue and station roads will be closed to vehicles and used solely by pedestrians.

Speaking in an interview in Accra yesterday April 6, the deputy director in charge of planning and development of the department of urban roads, Mr. Ludwig Hesse, said following the release of the money, the department would begin opening bids for interested companies to apply. He gave the assurance that work on the CBD roads would begin as soon as possible to ease traffic congestion in the metropolis. He said the reconstruction of the roads formed part of the efforts to beatify the capital city. So far M/STahal/Alpha Consults has been engaged as consultants on the project.

The scope of work entrusted to the consultants includes the review of existing designs of the selected roads and intersections, the preparation and revision of designs and drawings in sufficient details for public transportation facilities and non-motorized vehicle facilities.