The Department of Urban Roads in Kumasi has cautioned artisans in the Suame Industrial Area against the indiscriminate spillage of engine oil on newly constructed roads.

The artisans are found to regularly dump oil products on the road while repairing vehicles.

Deputy Director responsible for Planning and Development at the Urban Roads Department, Frank Osei Sekyere said the practice poses threat to the sustainability of new roads, especially the Suame interchange project.

“The corridor along which the project is being undertaken we have people who sell spare parts, engines and others. Before we came, we realized their activities were extending to the roads. We don’t want that situation, because the oil can dissolve the bitumen. This can deteriorate the road,” he said.

The Suame interchange project is touted to be the second largest interchange in Ghana. The first phase comprises a four-tier interchange at Suame, an overpass at Krofrom Junction, an underpass at Abrepo Junction and the widening of sections of the ring road.

Phase two will see to the construction of overpasses at Anomangye Junction, Magazine New Road Junction and Abusuakruwa Junction.

It comes with 15 kilometres of local roads improvement of selected intersections and the widening of the Offinso Road into a three-lane dual carriageway.

But the Department of Urban Roads insists that other activities including the repairs of faulty tyres are perforating the road, leaving them with potholes.

“Some of the mechanics also fix car tyres on the road. The jack tool can make holes in the road and bring about potholes,” Mr. Osei Sekyere added.

His concern is one of many challenges raised during a stakeholder consultative dialogue with local authorities, including government and traditional leaders on the progress of the interchange project.

Financial Secretary for the Suame Spare Parts Dealers Association, Peter Sam, who is worried about the development, wants the enforcement of punitive measures against artisans found culpable.

“We have been speaking to them but they seem not to obey. I think introducing a fine will help thwart their activities,” he said.

The second phase of the Suame interchange project is progressing steadily with expansion of the road network taking shape.

Resident Engineer with the Association Consultants Limited - the supervising consultant for the project, Dennis Kusi Boateng says they are working to ensure smooth execution of the project.

“Apart from some people who one time protested the project construction, everything has been calm. The people have been cooperative. We are working to deal with artisans who spill oil on to the road,” he said.

Both the first and second phases of the interchange project are expected to be completed in 2025 and 2027 respectively.