Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has urged contractors working on the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project to accelerate construction efforts in order to prevent flooding in the capital during the upcoming rainy season.
During a meeting on Friday, April 12, 2024, the Minister addressed project coordinators and contractors to discuss the delays that have been affecting the important initiative.
After assessing the progress of the project through site visits, Minister Oppong Nkrumah expressed disappointment in the slow pace of work compared to initial expectations. He identified several obstacles hindering the project, such as a two-step review process for each task causing unnecessary delays, contractors not following project specifications without approval, and a budget reallocation diverting $65 million towards COVID-19-related expenses.
To overcome these challenges, the Minister announced measures to expedite compensation payments to affected residents and ensure the availability of funds for the project, including the outstanding $65 million.
Minister Oppong Nkrumah stressed the importance of completing the GARID projects before the rainy season to protect flood-prone communities. He emphasized the urgent need for contractors to work diligently to safeguard lives and infrastructure, reassuring them of the Ministry’s support to facilitate the smooth progress of the project.
