Kumasi, Feb. 16, GNA - Construction works on the Asafo Market-Adum Interchange will now be completed in July this year. As at now about 53.25 per cent of the project has been completed. Mr James Awotwe, Resident Engineer of Sarroch Gelfi BV, contractors of the project, made this known to Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, when he paid a working visit to the project site on Thursday.

Mr Kwadwo Mpianim, Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, accompanied Mr Boafo.

Mr Awotwe said the project, which was expected to be completed in July last year had delayed due to financial and logistical problems and litigation on the demolition of buildings, which were affected by the project.

He, however, said the problems had been resolved and everything was now in place, adding that, construction of the main bridges would be completed by March this year.

Mr Boafo was happy that everything was now in place and that the project was on course.

He gave the assurance that all projects earmarked for Kumasi would be done and urged the people to exercise restraint and have faith in the government.

Mr Boafo announced that by next year the City Hotel would be in operation, while the reactivation of the Shoe Factory was on course. The Minister also visited the Kumasi-Konongo portion of the Accra road, which is under construction. Mr Neil Davis, Resident Engineer of COWI A/S, partners of AARSLEFF-Ghana-J.V, contractors of the project, told the Minister that currently, earthwork like the construction of bridges, culverts and others were ongoing.

He said 30 per cent of the project, which started in August last year, had been completed, adding that, the whole project would be completed in July 2007.

Mr Davis said the road from the KNUST Junction in Kumasi to Fumesua would be a dual carriageway, while portions in the Ejisu and Konongo Township would also be dual carriages.

Mr Boafo commended the contractors for the professional manner in which they were executing the project. He, however, advised them to erect road signs to guide motorists and to reduce inconveniences being encountered by both motorists and passengers.