We won't allow anyone delay the construction of Dambai bridge - Roads Minister cautions contractor

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has directed Maripoma Enterprise Limited, the contractor constructing the 1.5-kilometre Dambai Bridge, to ensure the project is completed within the agreed contractual timeline, stressing that the government will not tolerate avoidable delays.

The Minister gave the directive during an inspection tour of the project site on Wednesday, July 8, where he assessed the progress of construction works and reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering key infrastructure projects under its flagship Big Push programme.

Speaking during the inspection, Mr. Agbodza acknowledged that many Ghanaians have become concerned about public infrastructure projects that often experience prolonged delays without adequate explanations.

He assured the public that the Ministry of Roads and Highways will closely supervise the Dambai Bridge project to ensure construction remains on schedule and that any emerging challenges are addressed promptly.

"Many times, we see projects start and Ghanaians begin to complain that the works have slowed down and no one explains the situation to them. We will not sit down for anybody to delay this project. This project must be completed on schedule."

According to the Minister, the government is determined to ensure that taxpayers receive value for money through the timely completion of strategic national infrastructure projects.

Mr. Agbodza disclosed that the government has adopted proactive measures to prevent delays that have affected similar projects in the past.

He explained that one of the key interventions was the prompt award of the contract, followed by the payment of mobilisation funds to enable the contractor to commence work without unnecessary financial constraints.

"The first step was to make sure we award the job on time and then the next thing we did was to pay mobilization, which was not characteristic of previous projects because government was no longer paying that."

The Minister noted that providing mobilisation funding demonstrates the government's commitment to creating the conditions necessary for contractors to execute projects efficiently.

Mr. Agbodza said officials from the Ministry have been conducting regular inspections and engaging the contractor to identify and resolve potential challenges before they affect the project's timeline.

According to him, maintaining constant communication with contractors is essential to ensuring smooth implementation and preventing avoidable setbacks.

"You notice that we are constantly moving to the site to meet the contractors; if there are issues, we deal with them."

He added that the Ministry will continue to monitor the project closely throughout the construction period to ensure all contractual obligations are fulfilled.

The Roads and Highways Minister expressed confidence that infrastructure projects being implemented under the government's Big Push initiative can be completed within their contractual durations if contractors maintain the required pace of work.

He stated that timelines ranging between 36 and 40 months provide sufficient time for contractors to deliver major projects without unnecessary extensions.

"So far, we don't envisage that any Big Push contract should go beyond the period we have given them. Whether 36 months or 40 months is a lot of time to be able to do this work."

Mr. Agbodza reiterated that the government expects contractors to meet agreed deadlines while maintaining high engineering and construction standards.

The 1.5-kilometre Dambai Bridge is one of the government's flagship infrastructure projects aimed at transforming transportation in the Oti Region and surrounding areas.

When completed, the bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity across the Volta Lake corridor and the River Oti, making it easier for residents, businesses and commuters to move people and goods between communities.

The project is also expected to reduce travel time, improve road safety, facilitate trade, stimulate economic activity and strengthen regional integration.

Government believes the bridge will play a critical role in unlocking the economic potential of the Oti Region while supporting agriculture, commerce and tourism.

The Dambai Bridge forms part of the government's broader Big Push infrastructure programme, which seeks to accelerate national development through major investments in roads, bridges and other critical public infrastructure.

The programme is designed to improve transportation networks, boost economic growth, enhance regional accessibility and create employment opportunities across the country.

With construction progressing and government pledging strict oversight, officials remain optimistic that the Dambai Bridge will be delivered within schedule, providing long-term economic and social benefits for communities in the Oti Region and beyond.