Work on the second phase of the Obetsebi-Lamptey Interchange, which had been temporarily suspended in May of this year, is poised to resume once the government concludes negotiations with its external creditors.
This assurance was provided by Owusu Sekyere Antwi, the Resident Engineer overseeing the project.
The project initially commenced in February 2021, with a targeted completion date in March of this year. Unfortunately, progress came to a halt due to the government’s debt exchange program.
Mr. Antwi clarified that the work suspension primarily stemmed from a government directive rather than financial constraints.
He explained, “The funds allocated for the project are available for use, but we must respect the decision of our client, who has requested that we pause until discussions with its financial partners are concluded.”
About three weeks ago, the contractor, Messrs QGC UK Limited, returned to the site to initiate work. However, they subsequently withdrew from the site, disappointing the public’s expectations.
This delay has raised concerns among the public, particularly motorists and commuters, who are urging the government to provide funding to complete the project.
Mr. Antwi shed light on the contractor’s actions, stating that they had returned to the site to safeguard a significant number of pre-cast slabs that had been exposed to the elements and dust on the bridge to prevent deterioration.
During our visit to the site, we observed only a limited workforce, which Mr. Antwi explained was a cost-saving measure. He mentioned that the remaining workers would be called back when work officially resumes.
Mr. Sekyere-Antwi disclosed that approximately 83% of the project had been completed, with the remaining 17% expected to take about six months to finish once work recommences.
He noted that work on the bridge, including the steel superstructure, substructure, and pillars, had been completed, leaving only the concrete work, which requires 21 days to cure before asphalt laying.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the storm drains in the area had been completed, with the remaining work involving the drains from SIC to Royal House Chapel and those near Korle-Bu.
The second phase of the interchange project, with a budget of 92 million Euros, began in February 2021 and was originally slated for completion in March 2023.
However, due to unforeseen challenges, construction engineers requested an extension, which was granted.
This phase of the project encompasses the third tier, extending from the interchange towards Abossey Okai, as well as the installation of underground storm drains from the Hyundai stretch to Pamprom, near Kaneshie.
These additional storm drains aim to mitigate the recurring issue of flooding in the area.
It’s worth noting that the first phase of the project, valued at $35 million, was successfully completed in November of the previous year, achieving completion five months ahead of schedule.