The Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi Constituency and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Dr. Alhaji Yussif Sulemana has revealed that the long-abandoned Bole-Mandari-Chache road project is set to resume, describing it as a major international route that will boost trade and development in the area.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the road in the Bole District, the MP explained that the project was originally awarded in 2015 under the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the vision behind the project was to link communities in the district to Chache, where the Black Volta forms a boundary between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.Dr. Sulemana said authorities in Cote d’Ivoire had agreed to construct a bridge across the river to connect their road network from Bona to the Ghanaian side, while Ghana completes the stretch linking Bole to the border.
He described the road as strategically important, noting that it will serve as an international corridor that could also facilitate travel from parts of western Burkina Faso through Cote d’Ivoire and into Ghana.“Vehicles that usually ply the Hamile route will find it easier and quicker to use this road to connect to Kumasi and other parts of the country,” he stated.
Dr. Sulemana said he visited the site as part of his parliamentary monitoring duties to ensure that contractors had begun preparatory works ahead of an official sod-cutting ceremony expected to be performed by President Mahama.He added that the road would bypass Bole township to reduce traffic congestion, accidents and damage to electricity lines.
Instead, it will pass through nearby communities, opening up new areas for development.According to the MP, the government plans to develop a new settlement corridor along the road where major projects could be established. He disclosed that he has written to the Interior Ministry requesting the establishment of a multi-purpose security training school in the area to train personnel from the immigration, police and fire services.He also called on the district assembly to work with his office to extend electricity, roads and water supply to the new development zone once construction progresses.
Dr. Sulemana commended traditional leaders, youth and residents for their cooperation and support for the project.He further praised the contractor for clearing heaps of sand that had been left on the road when the project stalled, noting that the situation previously led to several accidents involving motor riders.
The MP warned contractors to ensure quality work, stressing that he would not hesitate to speak out if standards were compromised.Project Engineer for Maripoma Enterprise Limited, Winnie Mahamudu said the company is currently preparing the site ahead of the official commencement of the project.He explained that the road project stretches about 35.5 kilometres from Bole toward Chache and the Black Volta.
According to him, clearing works on the road are about 98 percent complete, while initial earthworks have covered nearly seven kilometres.He assured residents that the company is committed to delivering quality work that will benefit the district and strengthen the international transport link once completed.
Source: nkilgifm.com
