Construction of concrete bridge over Tano River in Nsawora progresses
Construction of a 90-metre span concrete bridge over the Tano River in Nsawora in the Sefwi Akotombra District in the Western North Region is progressing steadily.
In addition to the bridge is the construction of a one-kilometre approach road comprising 700 metres on the Nsawora end and 300 metres on the Sefwi Wiawso of the main road.
The construction of the bridge arose since the current bridge that connects to the Nsawora town is not fit for purpose as the alignment for the existing one is in a curved section of the road posing safety hazard.
Secondly, the narrow nature of the bridge made it impossible for a two-way traffic on it. As a result, a vehicle from one direction would have to wait at a section of the road for the vehicle from the other direction to pass on the bridge before using it.
Govt’s intervention
To address the situation, in 2023, the government awarded the contract to Asabea Engineering Limited, a seasoned civil engineering firm to execute the project to be completed in April 2025.
Owing to some initial challenges, the execution of the project delayed thereby affecting the completion date.
The contractor, however, asked for six months extension paving the way for the construction of the bridge to be completed and opened to traffic in October 2025.
The new bridge would have a pedestrian walk-way as compared to the old one where pedestrians and vehicles compete in the usage of the bridge.
During a recent visit to the site by a section of the media to monitor the progress of the work, it was observed that the substructure comprising the apartment and pier foundation works had been done.
Currently, work is ongoing on the super-structure made up of the deck and railings and other ancillary works with the expectation that the entire project would be completed ahead of schedule.
Impressed
In an interview, the Resident Engineer of the project, Sharif Mutawakil, was impressed with the work done far especially the decision by the contractor to work day and night to fast-track the completion of the project.
He said “this is a good move by the contractor in his attempt to catch-up and complete the work on time for the benefit of the people” and stressed “with the percentage of work, we are optimistic that the contractor will meet the deadline”.
He stated that all the needed support had been provided to the contractor to complete the project and officially hand it over to the government, saying “the new bridge will bring huge relief to the road users”.
Initial challenges
The Managing Director, Asabea Engineering Limited, Samuel K. Ofori Larbi, said although the contract was awarded in January 2023, due to initial obstacles in terms of design, actual construction begun in June 2024.
He mentioned that the adoption of the 24-hour work schedule fast-tracked the execution of the project and said the policy cannot only be implemented in firms and companies but can also be adopted in the construction industry to prevent undue delays in the execution of projects.
While indicating that the 24-hour work schedule is a game-changer in all sectors of the economy, he reiterated the company’s commitment towards early completion of the project for the benefit of the residents.
Writer’s email; gilbert.agbey@graphic.com.gh.
