Four major Kumasi roads to be reopened early 2019
Four major roads in Kumasi which were closed to pave the way for the execution of the Kejetia/ Central Market Redevelopment Project will be reopened to traffic early next year to ensure free movement of people within the enclave
The roads are the Asafo Interchange to Kejetia through Adum; Asafo Interchange to Kejetia through the Central Market; Dr Mensah to Kejetia through Adehyeman and Bantama to Kejetia through Komfo-Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Zoo
The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Kumasi, Mr Osei Assibey Antwi, who announced this at a meeting with representatives of the various transport unions in Kumasi last Thursday, said consultations and stakeholder meetings had started towards the reopening of the roads.
Transport terminal
Mr Antwi said a modern transport terminal would be constructed during the next and third phases of the project and explained that the construction of the terminal would make up for the challenges that came with the first phase, as a result of which a spacious terminal could not be constructed.
He reminded the transport unions that they were major stakeholders in the project and, therefore, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) would continue to count on them on the way forward.
The MCE urged them to always bring up ideas, suggestions and strategies to complement the efforts of the KMA in ensuring an advancement in the management of transportation in the city.
Mr Antwi assured them of his outfit's preparedness to work with them at all times, stressing that, it would be suicidal for him to do things that would undermine their activities.
Fruitful meeting
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the TUC, Nana Nimako Bresiamah II, described the meeting as fruitful and urged members of the union to work in close collaboration with the KMA for the benefit of all.
He said the MCE had a good working relationship with them and asked that they reciprocate that gesture to help advance development in the area.
Background
The closure of the roads in view of the Kejetia/ Central Market Redevelopment Project created traffic congestion in parts of the city and that became a source of great worry to commuters, traders and drivers.
The project, which started on July 14, 2015, is being executed by Messrs Contracta Engeharia Limited, a Brazilian construction company on a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement.
It is now ready for use and many believe it would transform businesses and promote economic growth, while its magnificence had added to the beauty of the city.
The project boasts amenities such as a police station, clinic, banks, two sewage treatment plants, fire station, a crèche and CCTV.
Present at the meeting were the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Mr Mike Ataogye, and other officials of the assembly.