Govt Terminates 84-km Road Contract

Government has abrogated a contract it awarded Shiraco Investment for the construction of the 84-kilimetre Tamale-Nanton-Karaga road, citing "poor performance". The project which was expected to be completed by the end June is to be only 7 percent complete. The contract cost GH�392,175 and was awarded in December last year for re-gravelling under the Ghana Highway Authority�s periodic maintenance programme. Roads and Transport Minister, Joe Gidigu, disclosed this in Parliament when he appeared before the house to answer questions on the state of roads awarded on contract by government. Joe Gidisu says due to shoddy work done, especially at the Tampion Dam to Zilindu stretch, it has recommended for the termination of the project to allow for re-award. He disclosed that the remaining stretch will be maintained under the authority�s routine maintenance programme for this year. Mr Joe Gidisu said government would open bids for the reconstruction of the road July 2009. Meanwhile Gidisu has also said his ministry has issued a final warning to another contractor working on the Goaso-Ayomso feeder road to complete work or risk the contract. According to him Ladco has done only 13 per cent of the work although it should have been completed in April this year.