The Department of Urban Roads (DUR) has commenced rehabilitation works on the road around the stalled Nungua Interchange project in Accra. This is to help ease road traffic, and create access for motorists and commuters.
The three-kilometre remedial project involves asphalting of the untarred portions of the road from the Nungua Barrier to the Sakumono Estate Junction.
The project, which includes 19-kilometre inner roads within the Nungua enclave, is expected to be completed within a two-month period.
During an inspection tour on Tuesday, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the project, originally slated for completion in February 2023, faced delays due to ongoing discussions with external creditors.
He noted that the work suspension had caused significant traffic management issues, resulting in slow vehicular movement and long delays, especially during peak periods.
Measures
To mitigate this, he indicated, the government had resumed remedial work as an interim measure while creditor negotiations continue.
“I have directed the Department of Urban Roads to engage a local contractor to repair deteriorated sections, bringing relief to the people of Nungua and its surroundings,” Mr Asenso-Boakye said.
He pointed out that similar measures had been successful in other projects, such as the Takoradi PTC Interchange. These, he said, had greatly improved commuter experiences and economic activities in the area.
Additionally, he revealed that the government was constructing 19 km of town roads in Nungua and its environs to further enhance local infrastructure.
The Minister, therefore, appealed to the road users to give the contractor all the needed support as the government works to improve road infrastructure in the area. He touched on the long-term benefits these projects will bring to commuters and businesses alike.
Satisfaction
For their part, a section of the taxi drivers plying the road expressed satisfaction with the government for the intervention.
They indicated their readiness to support the contractor in the successful execution of the remedial work.
They, however, pleaded that the work progresses steadily to enable them to go about their daily routine.
The project
The project, now 86% complete, stretches from the Independence Arch (Black Star Square) in Osu to the Buade intersection in Nungua. This interchange is part of Lot 1 of the Accra-Tema Beach Road Project, while Lot 2 covers approximately 10 km, from the Buade intersection to Community 3 in Tema, ending at the signalized intersection at Sakumono.
The first phase of work on the 16-kilometre project, which starts from the Independence Arch at the Black Star Square in Accra through Osu, La and Teshie to Nungua, is being undertaken by the CGICETC. The second phase, a 10.6-kilometre stretch which starts from Nungua to Tema Community Three, is being handled by the China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Company Limited (CRMBEGCL).
The scope of work includes a two-way, four-lane urban road, traffic signal systems and related auxiliary works, as well as the construction of a three-tier interchange at Nungua Barrier. In August 2020, Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia cut the sod for the start of the 26.6-km road expansion project.
The project, which is estimated at $100 million, when completed, will serve as a major alternative route to the Accra-Tema Motorway.
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