GHS150m not enough to fix potholes in Ghana – Contractors to govt

The Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry is urging the Ministry of Roads and Highways to release a minimum of GH¢2 billion to compensate road contractors for their completed projects.

While acknowledging the allocation of GH¢150 million to address potholes nationwide as a positive step, the Chamber emphasized that this amount falls significantly short of the GH¢15 billion owed to its members.

CEO Emmanuel Cheery expressed appreciation for the government’s effort but highlighted the inadequacy of the allocated funds to address the pothole situation, especially in Accra.

Cheery stated that the funds were insufficient, particularly as neglected potholes had transformed into manholes and gullies.

“In as much as we commend the government for releasing such an amount, we are pleading that the money should be increased in view of the nature of the work,” Mr Cheery said.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways had earlier announced the allocation of GH¢150 million for routine pothole patching activities on major roads during the dry season.

The aim is to reduce accident risks and extend the lifespan of the country’s road infrastructure.

“They are manholes and some of them are gullies.If they were to be these normal potholes that we see, they could be treated differently, but the current ones have been left unattended to for so long and so they have deteriorated into manholes and gullies,” the CEO emphasised.

Mr. Cheery expressed optimism that the minister-designate for Roads and Highways would address concerns and allocate additional funds for road construction. Additionally, he urged the government to clear its debt to contractors, which exceeds GH¢15 billion.