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 undertaking the construction of the Dambai Bridge in the Oti Region, to ensure the project is completed within the agreed timeline, warning that the government will not tolerate unnecessary delays.

The Minister gave the directive during an inspection of the project on Wednesday, July 8, where he reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering critical infrastructure under its flagship Big Push programme.

According to Mr. Agbodza, one of the most common concerns expressed by Ghanaians regarding major infrastructure projects is the unexplained slowdown of construction works after projects have commenced.

He stressed that the government is determined to avoid such setbacks on the 1.5-kilometre Dambai Bridge, which is expected to significantly improve transportation and economic activity in the Oti Region.

"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," he stated.

Mr. Agbodza explained that the Ministry has taken deliberate steps to ensure the contractor has the resources needed to execute the project without unnecessary interruptions.

He disclosed that the government awarded the contract promptly and also made an early mobilisation payment to facilitate a smooth start to construction, describing the move as a departure from previous practices where contractors often struggled to begin work due to delayed funding.

"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," he explained.

The Minister added that officials from the Ministry of Roads and Highways have been conducting regular site inspections to monitor progress, engage directly with the contractor and promptly resolve any challenges that could affect the project's delivery.

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

Expressing optimism about the government's broader infrastructure agenda, Mr. Agbodza said projects being implemented under the Big Push initiative are expected to be completed within their contractual timelines provided contractors maintain the required pace of work.

"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," he noted.

The Dambai Bridge is one of the government's flagship infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity across the Volta Lake corridor and the River Oti, making transportation safer and more efficient for residents, traders and businesses.

When completed, the bridge is expected to enhance the movement of people, goods and services, reduce travel time, improve access to markets, and stimulate economic development across the Oti Region and adjoining areas.

The project also forms part of the government's wider strategy to modernise Ghana's road network, strengthen regional integration and support economic transformation through improved infrastructure.

Government has identified the Dambai Bridge as one of the key projects under the Big Push programme, an ambitious national infrastructure initiative designed to accelerate development through strategic investments in roads, bridges and other critical public infrastructure.