Accra Oct.28, GNA - The National Tender Board on Wednesday opened bids for the reconstruction of the Asafo-Market UTC Interchange in Kumasi.

International Development Agency (IDA) of the World Bank and Ghana Government are funding the project, which is scheduled for completion within 18 months.

Eight firms that bid for the project were SBI International Holdings; PW Civil, a joint Ghanaian and Nigerian firm; Sarroch-Gelfi; Rolider (Europe) Limited; Jescan Construction Limited; BBCCII; MSF/Ussuya and Arabs Ventures.

Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, Chief of Staff said the contract would be awarded before the end of the year.

He said the existing reinforced concrete bridge that linked Asafo Market roundabout to the UTC roundabout was narrow for future traffic; therefore, there was the need to reconstruct one to facilitate the free flow of traffic.

Mr Mpiani, who is also Chairman of the National Tender Board, said the scope of work would include a four-lane overpass from the Asafo Market Roundabout, to link some streets. These are Guggisberg; Akyeremade; Prempeh II and Odum streets; 28th February and Lake roads.

Mr Alex Twumasi Boakye, Director of Urban Roads, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the evaluation report would be submitted to the Board within three weeks.