Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Tuesday cut the sod for the commencement of the ¢187.3 billion Sogakope-Adidome road, which is the first phase of works on the 45 kilometre-road linking Ho-Fume. The project, solely funded by the Government involved reconstruction of a two-lane single carriageway bituminous surfaced road from Sogakope to Adidome, covering a distance of 30-kilometres for the first phase. The contract to be executed by Messrs Rolider Limited was expected to be completed by June 2008. Vice President Mahama described the project as a crucial link to the National Routes (NI/ N2). He said the Sogakope-Adidome-Ho Road would link Keta, South Tongu, North Tongu and Adaklu-Anyigbe districts to the Volta Regional Capital-Ho, while the Ho-Fume road would also link Fume, Vane, Dzolokpuita and Matse Wegbe to Ho. “It is very unfortunate to note that while we strive to improve the quality of our roads, some heavy duty vehicle operators are contributing to the gradual deterioration of the country’s road network." Vice President Mahama stressed: “Some vehicle operators overload their vehicles beyond the permissible 11.5 ton per axle load weight. There has even been an instance where such overloaded vehicles have caused considerable damage on some portions of our roads.” He said overloading of vehicles put pressure on road surface and contributed to accidents. “I therefore charge the Highway Patrol Unit of the Police Service to intensify its work in order to bring under control the rising cases of overloading of vehicles. “The Ghana Highway Authority must also intensify its axle load control programme on the roads to help curb the menace of overloading on our highways.” he said. The Deputy Minister of Transportation, Mr. Magnus Opare-Asamoah, assured motorists and communities living along the project sites that environmental, safety and traffic management measures would be put in place to minimise the expected inconveniences that they may be exposed to. Mr. Kofi Dzamesi, Regional Minister said the project had been on the drawing board since 1992. “Development projects that have been going on in the Volta Region for the past six years are unprecedented. From the Southern part of the region through the mid to the Northern part of the region, there is so much going on and happening by way of socio-economic development,” he noted. Mr Dzamesi said Keta, Ketu, Akatsi, South Tongu, Kpando and Hohoe have been listed to benefit from the multi-million dollar Millennium Challenge Account, while facilities at Adidome Senior Secondary School have been upgraded to include a new science laboratory, a three-storey boys and girls dormitories, kitchen and dining hall. Source GNA