MP hands over GH¢ 7.3 million drains site

THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso East, Dr Ahmed Mustapha, has handed over the site for the construction of the main drain from Maamobi through Nima to the Kawokudi junction on the Obasanjo Highway to the contractor.
The 1.2 kilometre drain which will have tributaries, and will altogether total 700 metres is valued at GH¢ 7.3 million. The project would be undertaken by Caspian Energy Ghana Ltd.
Handing over the site to the contractors, Dr Mustapha who is also a Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, said the construction of the project was part of the moves to give meaning to the Action Year proclaimed by President Mills.
He added that the project had two main benefits which were, firstly to provide a clean environment as well as offer economic benefits through local content in areas such sub-contracting and employment.
He appealed for collaboration and unity between the contractors and the local community, who would directly benefit from the project to ensure that it was executed smoothly.
Dr Mustapha said there was no doubt that the construction of the drain would definitely require the demolition of certain structures, which would obviously bring some discomfort to the owners of those who would be affected.
This, he said would require understanding from them, and would entail greater education from the contractors before hand, adding that there was no need to spring surprises on anyone.
He also urged the contractors to constantly involve the community in all major decisions, especially works that would affect the people in the area, and appealed to the community leaders to be at the forefront in explaining to the affected persons.
According to the Deputy Minister, apart from the fact that the drain would be covered, it would also create access routes to areas that currently were inaccessible.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Wise Ametefe, Deputy Director of Hydraulic Service Department, supervisors of the project, assured the people of strict supervision for value for money and early completion of work.
He said his outfit would ensure that the government and the people in the area would derive value for money at the end of the execution of the contract.