The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has cut the scope of work assigned to two contractors on the Wenchi-Bole road project by 25 kilometres each over concerns about their slow progress.

China International Water and Electric Corporation and Poly Changda Engineering Company were each contracted to construct separate 50-kilometre sections of the Western Corridor road.

However, an assessment of the project has raised concerns over the pace of construction and the contractors’ ability to meet the required timelines.

Mr Agbodza has therefore directed that each contractor’s scope be reduced from 50 kilometres to 25 kilometres, with the remaining sections to be reassigned to two new contractors.

He said the move was intended to inject urgency into the project and accelerate construction.

Speaking during a site inspection in the Savannah Region on Wednesday, September 2, the Minister warned that the performance of the two contractors would be monitored over the next two months, with further action possible if they fail to meet agreed targets.

“If they can’t, we take the rest away from them. This is very disappointing. This is completely disappointing,” Mr Agbodza said.

He added: “It is very obvious China International Water and Poly Changda do not have what it takes. I’ve driven the length of this with you. The speed and mobilisation I see do not match the expectation.”

Mr Agbodza said two new contractors would be brought in immediately to undertake the sections taken from the existing contracts, stressing that government would not allow the project to stall when other capable contractors were available to deliver the work.