Work overtime if you must – Oppong Nkrumah charges contractors on GARID project

The Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has tasked contractors working on the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project to expedite construction works to mitigate the risk of flooding in the Capital during the rainy season.

The Minister’s directive came in a meeting on Friday, April 12, 2024, with project coordinators and contractors to address delays plaguing the critical initiative.

After this appraisal, it’s fair for us to say that the project is not moving as quickly as we all expected,” he said.

Further, the Minister pointed out instances where contractors deviated from project specifications without seeking prior approval

Perhaps the most concerning delay stemmed from a budgetary reallocation with a significant portion of project funds, estimated at $65 million, diverted towards COVID-19-related expenditures.

On the financial front, Mr Oppong Nkrumah reassured contractors that the government is actively working with Parliament to make available the outstanding funds, including the diverted $65 million.

He reassured contractors of the Ministry’s support in providing the needed support to ensure work progresses with speed.