Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Samuel Pyne, has disclosed the government is set to release funds for the resumption of construction works on phase two of the Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project.
The project has stalled for more than a year after construction firm, Contracta, left the site and terminated appointments of workers over delayed release of funds for the project.
Sam Pyne says the construction company is ready to return to site in August 2024 to commence full operations, following the government’s assurances to release funds promptly for the project 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 project which began in May 2019, was expected to be completed within 48 months, but has suffered various setbacks, delaying its completion.
The government cited its domestic debt restructuring program with the International Monetary Fund as a factor for the prolonged resumption of the market project.
The project site has been covered in weeds and become an abode for reptiles while its legitimate occupants are left at the mercy of the weather in their temporary yet deplorable shelter.
Traders affected by the project protested against the government, threatening to vote against the ruling NPP in the 2024 election.
But after a successful renegotiation with the IMF, funds have been released for the project to resume.
The completed project will house 6,500 leasable commercial spaces, 5,400 closed stores, 800 kiosks, 50 restaurants, and other ancillary facilities such as a fire service office and police station and a mini theatre.
Despite the announced resumption of work, Sam Pyne, hinted that the project may not be completed 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.