By Michael Kofi Kenetey
Residents of Dokrochiwa in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region have made a passionate appeal to the government to settle outstanding payments owed to the contractor working on the road project linking Nsawam Adoagyiri through Coaltar, Dokrochiwa, Kofi Pare and Owuram.
The project, which has already received its first coat of bitumen surfacing, has stalled due to delays in payment to the contractor, preventing the application of the second coat. According to the contractor, the delay is due to financial constraints.
At a press conference involving chiefs and residents, the traditional leaders commended the previous government for initiating the project, describing it as the district’s first-ever bitumen road. They also applauded the current administration for continuing the work and ensuring steady progress rather than abandoning it.
They explained that although significant work has been completed, leaving the road with only the first coat of bitumen will compromise its durability and reduce the effectiveness of the government’s investment. According to the chiefs, their engagement with the contractor revealed that financial challenges are preventing him from applying the final coat. They therefore appealed to the government to provide the necessary funds to ensure completion of the project.
The Assembly Member for the Dokrochiwa Electoral Area, Mr Desmond Ohene Larbi, who provided background on the project and its current status, also commended the government for continuing the work. However, he appealed for the contractor’s financial concerns to be addressed to facilitate the timely completion of the road and enhance economic activities in the area.
The former District Chief Executive for Ayensuano, Mrs Josephine Ansaa Awuku Inkoom, under whose tenure the project began, also commended the President for the “Big Push” initiative. She appealed for the major Ayensuano road, which connects four districts and municipalities in the Eastern Region, to receive the necessary attention under the initiative to ensure its completion.
Dokrochiwa is a predominantly farming community in the Ayensuano District. Farmers in the area cultivate crops such as cocoa, plantain, cocoyam and banana, making reliable road infrastructure essential for transporting produce to markets.
