The Adenta-Dodowa road redevelopment project has commenced with the contractor at the clearing and preparatory stage which has affected hundreds of occupants of temporary structures in the way of the project.
Billboards, stalls, kiosks and containers within the demarcation of the road have been demolished. Mechanic shops, salons, barbering shops, signages and makeshift structures have been pulled down.
Although occupants of these structures were given prior notice to relocate, they are demanding compensation for their demolished structures because they claim they pay permit to the Adentan Municipal Assembly (AdMA).
The concerns of the affected individuals are how to come by money and start life all over again amid the prevailing economic hardship. Christopher Kuvor whose electric shop has been in existence for the past 15 years told the news team how it was difficult to easily part ways.
Christopher has limited time to look out for new space to store whatever he salvaged including generators, blenders, water pump machines, kettles he salvaged from his demolished electrical shop.
For him, government must compensate them to ensure their survival. “Most of us here are adults with families and so putting us in such position will only deny our families’ daily bread. Where can we get large amounts of money to rent another space for our shops without government’s intervention?”
Gadaffi owns Shakers Bar which was partly demolished. Now he has to re-module the facility and that will require funds. He insists the payment of compensation will be the only means for him to achieve that. “We like the road to be expanded right 100 percent. At least hustlers you know how we manage to get our monies; loans from banks and friends and we need to pay them back,” he added.
The issue of compensation is on the lips of the many affected occupants of the road demolition but the sector minister, Samuel Amoako Atta, during his visit to the site together with officials from the Ministry, Department of Urban Roads and the Assembly issued a warning that temporary structures in the way of road projects will be removed without compensation.
The Minister was emphatic on the payment of compensation in road projects.
“People must get it clear that compensation will be paid to genuine and legitimate people who deserve it and so in carrying out a project like this, it is not automatic that everybody will be compensated. You put your kiosk, container in the right of way of a road reservation and you want compensation.
I support what is happening; the kiosks, containers, temporary structures must all be cleared. We are going to clear all of them here, the ongoing Accra-Tema motorway project, the ongoing Kasoa to Winneba project and anywhere in the country,” he cautioned.
He equally expressed disappointment in what he described as favouritism in the demolition exercise. “If you are going out, go out on all people and be fair and also do not fear anybody. If anybody thinks they are powerful in what sense? Because they are rich? If they are rich, they are in their house with their monies, we do not care about it,” he emphasized.
The working class at Adenta, Frafraha, Ashevie, Oyibi and Dodowa often complain about dealing with heavy vehicular traffic in the mornings trying to get to town and to their respective workplaces and so it is a no brainer that its completion will bring relief to commuters and motorists, prompting the urgency in the execution of the project.
Oswal Investments Limited won the contract and its chairman, Humphrey Awuletey Williams underscored the need to complete the project on time and deliver a road that meets international standards. “It shouldn’t take 24 months to complete this project. 14 months is adequate enough for us to finish,” he revealed.
The plan of the project is to reconstruct the 22km stretch into 2-lane dual carriageway complete with service lanes, interchanges and flyovers at major intersections. This will undoubtedly improve connectivity and ease commuting for residents and motorists.
The redevelopment of the Adenta-Dodowa road is part of government’s commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure. By investing in roads and highways, the government aims to enhance economic growth, create job opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for Ghanaians.
As construction work gets underway, motorists are urged to exercise caution and adhere to all traffic regulations for their safety and that of the construction workers.