Kansaworodo bypass to be dual-carriage

The Kansaworodo bypass in Takoradi, which is part of the Trans West African Highway, is to be dualised.

The road is being reconstructed to foster economic activities between the country and its West African neighbours.

The 9.5-kilometre road, which stretches from the Nkroful Junction to Apollo at Apremdo, is part of the Trans-West Africa Highway linking Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and other countries in the West African sub-region.

Justmoh Construction Limited, a local firm, has been engaged by the Department of Urban Roads (DUR) to undertake the project.

The Director of Urban Roads, Alhaji Abass Awolu, said the current contract sum of GH¢6.98 million would have to  be varied to allow for the dualisation of the road. He added that the necessary approvals would have to be sought for that.

Briefing the Minister of Roads and Highways, Alhaji Amin Amidu Sulemana, in Takoradi, the consultant to the project, Mr Charles Wood of St Anne’s Limited, said the reconstruction of the road into a dual carriageway had become necessary in view of the increase in traffic on their portion of the highway.

Alhaji Sulemana is on a two-day working visit to the Western Region with  a team of officials from the DUR, the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) and the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR).

Some members of the team were the Chief Director of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Dr Daniel Darku; the directors of the DUR and DFR, Alhaji Abass Awolu and Mr George Aidoo, respectively, and the Chief Executive of the GHA, Mr Michael Abbey.

The road, when completed, will significantly  reduce vehicular congestion on the main Sekondi-Takoradi bypass.

Currently, work done is pegged at 15 per cent, and this includes drainage excavation and the filling of some sections with crushed rocks.

The reconstruction of the bypass became necessary following what officials of the DUR described as intense deterioration.

Among others, small culverts would be replaced with bigger ones, so that they can carry more run- offs.

The Managing Director of Justmoh Co Ltd, Mr Amoh, said  a major challenge to the project was the relocation of utility lines, as it had been difficult to get the nominated  personnel to assist the company.

Alhaji Sulemana also inspected rehabilitation works on the Kokompe-Adakopen road.

Kokompe is an industrial area noted for heavy industrial activities in the Twin City.

Alhaji Sulemana expressed satisfaction with the works and urged the contractors to work within their scheduled dates for completion.

Story: Naa Lamiley Bentil