Value of 50 pesewas in 2010 is not the same as 50 pesewas in 2021 – Contractor calls for road toll increment

Former Chairman of the Road Contractors Association, Ebo Hughton has called for an increment in road toll charges in the country.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show Tuesday, Mr Hughton noted that the current rate of 50 pesewas for saloon vehicles imposed in 2010 does not carry the same value in 2021.

He, therefore, called on government to initiate the necessary steps to increase the tolls in order to generate more revenue to pay contractors.

“We must look at our tolls, the last time we increased the tolls was in 2010 under President Atta Mills.

“That is 11 years ago, and I do not think it is realistic. 50 pesewas now is not the same as 50 pesewas 11 years ago,” he told SMS host Winston Amoah.

The former Chairman also urged government not to award contracts above the total revenues available in the road fund.

He stressed that the fund was established to be used in the maintenance of roads in the country, as such, will be unwise for government to use it for the construction of roads.

Currently, the asphalt overlay being undertaken in various parts of the country is being funded by the Road Fund, but Mr Hughton describes as unacceptable.

He contended that it is expensive and that expenditure should be funded by the consolidated fund.

“The volume of contracts that have been awarded far exceeds the amount in being mentioned (the road fund). Some contractors have not been paid for the past three years.

“Our problem is the management of the road fund, this problem has been with us for more than a decade. It is difficult getting our leaders to stand up and say ‘enough is enough!’

“Let us be measured in the number of projects that are awarded and let us make sure that we cut us our coat according to our size. If this should continue, very soon the sector will collapse, unless we decide to depend on loans from abroad,” he said.