Work on Sekondi-Takoradi interchange begins
Actual construction work on the first interchange in the Western Region has begun at PTC/Kwame Nkrumah Roundabout in Takoradi.
The project, which will take 30 months to complete, will be a three-tier interchange with direct access to the central business district, a hitherto congestion prone area.
The interchange is, therefore, expected to improve traffic flow in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and provide seamless connection to towns, cities and other parts of the Western Region.
Rush hours
The Western Regional Minister, Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, inspected the ongoing work last Monday, and said the project was one of many for the region.
“As we speak, the reconstruction of the multipurpose Takoradi Central Market, the GNPC Operational Headquarters, and many other road projects are ongoing in the region,” he said.
Mr. Darko-Mensah added that as part of the government's commitment to the region, he would roll up his sleeves and follow every project to ensure that they were delivered on time and within budget for the benefit of the people.
Economic activities
The twin-city and the region, he said, had become economically vibrant with many activities, including banking, oil and gas, port, insurance and other financial services, hence the need to ensure improved infrastructure to contain the demands.
He said there were other interchanges to be constructed in Sekondi-Takoradi, including one at the Paa-Grant Roundabout, but stressed that, that project could not be executed simultaneously with that of the PTC/Kwame Nkrumah Roundabout due to the associated inconveniences to the motoring public.
Currently, he said, the metropolitan assembly and other stakeholders had studied the situation to ensure work did not impede traffic flow and slow productivity.
“I can assure the public that measures put in place will ensure minimal interruption,” Mr. Darko-Mensah said.
Other projects
The minister said bridges and other road infrastructural projects that were currently ongoing in the region would be completed on schedule, and assured the people that the government’s promise to deliver was still on course.
The Public Relations Officer of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. John Laste, said the assembly, in consultation with relevant parties, had come up with some measures to ease traffic congestions following the closure of the PTC/Kwame Nkrumah Roundabout to traffic to pave way for the construction works.
The roundabout will be closed to traffic from today.