KMA gets funds for road projects

 

By Kizito CUDJOE, Kumasi

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has received additional funding from the French Government to complete works on the Oforikrom-Asokwa bypass and extension of the initial 2.7km Lake Road from Ahinsan to Kumasi South Hospital in Atonsu-Agogo.

The project began in June 2008 at an estimated cost of €37million and was being jointly funded by the Government of Ghana and the Agence Francaise de Developpment (AFD) of the French Government.

The completion of the project as originally planned would have among other things eased the flow of vehicular movement within the metropolis. The project was expected to have been completed in 18 months’ time; however, the change of government in 2008 and some unexpected occurrences prolonged the period scheduled for the project’s completion.

The first two phases of the project covering the Asokwa bypass from Anloga Junction to Timber Gardens and the drain from Anloga Junction to High School Junction also came to an unexpected end as the result of lack of funds.

Though the project was about 86% complete, the sudden end of the project late last year resulted in a diminution of the impact from efforts to lessen the traffic situation on the Lake Road.

The cost of works still to be carried out now stands at £40 million, and completion of the rest of the project is expected to completely eliminate the traffic congestion on the Lake Road as well as the intermittent flooding.  
The drainage component of the project, which consists of continuation of the Sissai storm-drain, is part of extension plans to cover about 2.5 kilometres downstream.     

These major highlights were made known to the general public at a stakeholders’ forum in Kumasi organised by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to provide information about the impending project, and also especially enable those whose properties will be affected to get feedback from consultants on the project.    

Commuters and drivers who ply the Lake Road have complained about the bitter punishment of long traffic congestion they encounter on the road.  It is hoped that this latest announcement by KMA will lead to easing traffic congestion on the Lake Road.

 

Read Full Story