Construction works on the Kumasi Outer Ring Road are progressing steadily as part of the government’s flagship Big Push Infrastructure Programme aimed at expanding the country’s road network.
The forty-seven-kilometre road stretch, which begins at Etia in the Ejisu Municipality and terminates at Akom within the Afigya Kwabre North Municipality, is expected to improve accessibility and ease traffic congestion around the Kumasi metropolis upon completion.
Information released by the Ministry of Roads and Highways indicates that the contractor on site has so far cleared vegetation over a distance of twenty-five kilometres. The clearing works involve the felling of trees and the removal of stumps to pave the way for major civil works along the alignment.
Current activities on site include topsoil removal, earthworks comprising the cutting and filling of the road to formation level, and the construction of drainage structures to ensure proper water management along the corridor.
In line with efforts to build local capacity in the construction industry, the contractor has engaged fifteen students from tertiary institutions in the Ashanti Region. The students, who are pursuing programmes in civil engineering, geomatic engineering, and quantity surveying, have been offered practical training on the project to equip them with hands-on industry experience.
Speaking during a routine inspection of the construction site, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, remarked that the scale of the Big Push Programme presents both unique challenges and significant learning opportunities for everyone involved in the sector.
He noted that the nation has never undertaken an infrastructure rollout of such magnitude at a single time, stressing the need for continuous learning among all industry players.
The Minister further acknowledged the inherent difficulties that come with executing a programme of such vast proportions, but urged stakeholders to remain focused and seek practical solutions to maintain the momentum of the project.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
