Abesim (B/A), April 11, GNA - Mr Michael Aidoo, National President of Progressive Road Contractors Association on Thursday said the association would soon introduce a pension scheme to secure better future for contractors. He expressed regret about the miserable end of some contractors in spite of all the monies they had acquired through their jobs "because there was no association that took care of their welfare".

Mr Aidoo was briefing members of the association at its first general meeting at Abesim, near Sunyani about the plans and the way forward to sustain the construction industry. He said a lot of contractors had abandoned the industry whilst a good number were planning to follow because they could no longer cope with the "unreasonable rates, unfavourable contract agreements, under quoting, delays of payment and under payment". Mr. Aidoo said the association would focus on the interests and wellbeing of members to save the industry from collapse and that it was formed to seek the welfare of members and not for political purposes.

"The association will collaborate with the Ministry of Road and Transport, Ghana High Ways Authority, Departments of Urban and Feeder Roads and related organizations in dealing with problems of contractors", he added. He urged members to forget about the past and to look at the way forward of the association since it is only through unity that they could fight for it progress.

The national chairman entreated members to be committed to the welfare of the association, attend meetings regularly and contribute their quota in ensuring that the association grew to become one of the respected associations in the country. He asked senior contractors to share their rich experience with the new ones and ensure that there was fair play in the industry.

Mr Aidoo said the association was seeking for sponsorships to train members to improve on their skills and sharpen their knowledge to enhance their work. He said the association has a membership of 250 and would officially be inaugurated in June this year. Members appealed to the executives not to turn the association to a funeral association but to fulfil their promises to assist members to acquire loan and machines to expand their industries.