Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Samuel Pyne, has announced that the government will soon provide funds to resume construction on phase two of the Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project.
The project has been at a standstill for over a year after the construction firm, Contracta, withdrew from the site and dismissed its workers due to delayed payments.
Pyne stated that Contracta is prepared to return to the site in August 2024 and fully resume work, following the government’s commitment to releasing funds promptly for the project’s completion.
“We had a recommencement meeting last week Thursday 18 July, 2024, in Kumasi. Since they left about 13 months ago, that’s a year and a month, there’s the need for them to re-engage workers. At the moment, they have all the materials for the shops ready. So, they are doing a re-assessment of the materials that they left on site to confirm if they are fit for purpose on the project, because the Finance Minister has given them a comfort letter, assurance letter and assurance of prompt payment,” he said.
The €248 million Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project, which began in May 2019 and was originally scheduled for completion within 48 months, has faced numerous delays.
Setbacks have included the project’s suspension after the construction firm, Contracta, left due to funding issues. The government’s domestic debt restructuring program with the International Monetary Fund has also contributed to the delays.
Currently, the site is overgrown with weeds and has become a habitat for reptiles, while the market’s legitimate occupants endure harsh conditions in inadequate temporary shelters.
Traders affected by the delays protested against the government and threatened to vote against the ruling NPP in the 2024 election. However, following a successful renegotiation with the IMF, funds have now been released to resume work on the project.
Once completed, the redevelopment will feature 6,500 leasable commercial spaces, 5,400 closed stores, 800 kiosks, 50 restaurants, and additional facilities including a fire service office, a police station, and a mini theater.
Despite the resumption of work, Samuel Pyne has indicated that the project may not be finished before the December election.
“The project should have been ready by February this year. We have wasted or delayed about 13 months and therefore, if there’s even going to be a crash of the program on site, I know it is not going to be 3-4 months’ work. The work will go beyond 5 months so I can’t give the exact time that the program will end, but to be honest with you, we can’t conclude the work on site before the election,” he observed.
tigpost.co
