The government is in discussions with their Chinese counterparts for resumption of the three-tier PTC interchange project in the Sekon­di-Takoradi metropolis of the Western Region.The effort is part of govern­ment's desire to improve road infrastructure in the region and provide a vital stimulus for the economy.The Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Men­sah, gave the hint when he spoke to The Ghanaian Times about the government's vision for the road infrastructure in the region.He indicated discussions he had with the Minister of Roads and Highways on the way forward for the PTC interchange and reiterated the government's commitment to complete the project, this year."I have called the Roads Min­ister and he said, we are trying to agree with the Chinese on the finalising the Chinese loan restructuring and hopefully, when this comes on stream, soon, we will resume completion the PTC interchange project.

I want the re­maining to be finished this year," he assured.Already, Mr Darko-Mensah said, tier one (26 meters) of the PTC interchange was being done to ease congestion at the Goil Filling Station area and ensure free-flow of traffic in the oil city.He told The Ghanaian Times that Takoradi-Elubo highway, which is part of the Trans African Highway, would also be reconstructed into a dual carriage, with Government of Ghana funding and not the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS).Meanwhile, he said, the recon­struction of the 23- kilometre Ta­koradi-Agona Nkwanta road into a dual carriageway was progressing steadily with the contractor, Just­moh Construction, on course and working at "fantastic speed".The project, which is about 40 percent complete, Mr Dar­ko-Mensah said, was part of the N1H1 highway, and involved the construction of four major bridges including the Ewusiejoe and the Apremdo bridges.He said "The Takoradi-Ago­na Nkwanta road is a major link connecting Takoradi Port to the mining and agriculture enclave of the Western and Western North Regions.

It will also ensure easy transportation of export commod­ities like bauxite and manganese to the port and haulage of machinery to the mining enclaves at Tarkwa and environs."Additionally, the stretch, which connected the Agona Nkwan­ta-Elubo road, he mentioned, would enhance intra-African trade through the movement of goods and people to and from Cote d'Ivoire.Mr Darko-Mensah again said, works had also started for the construction of New Takoradi- Nkontompo by -pass and hoped that after the surface was done, the main base material would be laid, assuring "we are working on it seriously to have it finished."He said, with the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), the region was on course to open - up the fringed communities, not­ing that, work on the Ayiem-Mpo­hor corridors had begun to improve travelling time and reduce the drudgery of connecting with Takoradi, the commercial capital."Our vision is to make roads motorable in the remotest areas and you will soon see the results from the farm gates.

Indeed, DRIP will promote agricultural produc­tion, enhance the food chain and also reduce post-harvest losses," the Regional Minister explained.It is recalled that, on September 16, 2020, Vice President, Dr Ma­hamudu Bawumia cut the sod for the construction of the first-ever $ 2 billion interchange at the PTC roundabout in Takoradi, to execut­ed by Messrs Power China Sino Hydro Corporation Limited and expected to be completed in 30 months.However, in January 2023, the Chinese Contractor left the site and since then the project had stalled.Work completed is about 80 per­cent, Roads and Highways ministry reported Source: Ghanaian Times         Comments ( 0 ): Post Your Comments >> Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com.