info@businessghana.com
The Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the Blekusu Sea Defence Phase II Project after inspecting the site as part of the Volta Regional Minister’s two-day working tour.
Mr. Adjei said the visit was necessary to verify that the physical progress corresponded with the payment certificates submitted to his office. “I must say I am impressed with what is going on here. I have been receiving payment certificates and kept asking myself whether the work was actually progressing. Today, I decided to come and see things for myself, and I am convinced that the work is truly ongoing,” he said.
The Minister indicated that the contractor was currently constructing six groynes out of the 37 planned for the 8-kilometre stretch, with each groyne extending about 220 metres into the sea. “Within this short period, they have already begun work on six groynes.
Looking at the machinery, the personnel, and the pace of work, I believe they are on track indeed, even ahead of schedule. But we will continue to encourage them to do more,” he added. He urged the contractor to expedite work and, if possible, complete the project ahead of the stipulated 37-month duration to bring relief to coastal communities impacted by tidal waves. He assured that the Ministry was ready to provide all necessary support.
Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, commended the Works and Housing Minister for the timely visit, saying it reaffirmed government’s commitment to accelerating coastal protection efforts. He pledged the cooperation of the Regional Coordinating Council and encouraged the contractor to begin implementing auxiliary components of the project.
“There are additional facilities such as coastal markets and other social amenities that come with this project. They need not wait until full completion before starting these aspects. We know they have the capacity,” he said.
Mr. Gunu also appealed to residents to support the contractors and avoid actions that could hinder progress. “The work is progressing well. Let us all cooperate so that, in the end, the Volta Region and Ghana benefit,” he added. The Project Chief Director for Messrs Amandi Holdings Limited, Mr. Ewud Yum, noted that design works, site preparation, and stabilization of vulnerable stretches had been completed, and simultaneous construction of several groynes was ongoing.
He said the impact of the works was already evident. “As you can see, the coastline is beginning to stabilize. The first one kilometre is now firm, and the sand movement is forming a better beach. This is significant for the communities that have suffered for years,” he said. He explained that each groyne being constructed ranges between 100 and 120 metres in length, with about 200 metres spacing between them, consistent with the Phase I layout. President John Dramani Mahama, together with the Works and Housing Minister, officially cut the sod on July 20 to commence Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project.
The project, expected to run from 2025 to 2029, aims to protect the communities of Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina from the persistent threat of coastal erosion.
