PAYMENT DELAYS AFFECT U/W PROJECTS (PAGE 20)

Delays associated with the payment of contractors’ invoices have been identified as one of the major challenges affecting the implementation of projects in the Upper West Region.
Consequently, an appeal has been made to the authorities to expedite action on contractors’ invoices to enable them to execute their work on schedule.
The Upper West Regional Director of the Ghana Highway Authority, Mr Ernest Arthur, made the appeal in Wa during a meeting with members of the Ghana Road Fund Board.
He told the meeting that the long distances that some road construction materials, such as chippings, had to cover also contributed to the problem.
According to Mr Arthur, two contracts for the upgrading of the 88 km Nadowli-Lawra-Hamile road have been awarded to Messrs P and W Ghanem Limited at a cost of GH¢23.3 million.
In addition to that, 135 km of gravel roads was also undergoing spot improvement and regravelling at a cost of GH¢7,308,115.00.
These roads include the Wellembelle-Santijan, Downwini-Nandom, Lawra-Han, Wa-Bulenga-Yaala, Wahabu-Funssi and Tumu-Gwollu-Hamile roads.
Mr Arthur expressed regret at the lack of an adequate number of technical personnel to undertake efficient supervision of contracts.
The Regional Engineer of the Department of Feeder Roads, Mr Seidu Ibrahim, said the Road Fund was currently financing a number of projects estimated at GH¢29,217,206.00.
He noted that the current heavy rainfall being experienced would worsen the condition of roads in the region.
The acting Director of the Ghana Road Fund Secretariat, Mr George Aidoo, said payments for periodic maintenance had been made as of June 2008.
He advised contractors to put in monthly invoices to make payments easier.