The Suame Interchange project has encountered significant challenges due to traders encroaching on the project site.
The Resident Engineer, Dennis Kusi Boateng, has expressed frustration over the situation, stating that traders have occupied the middle of the road, hindering the contractor’s ability to work efficiently.
“We are rather not happy about the fact that these traders have encroached upon the limits of the road,” he has stated.
During a tour to the place Thursday, May 15, 2025, to ascertain why the project has delayed, Ing. Boateng appealed to the Suame Municipal Assembly to intervene and relocate the traders to a more suitable location to allow the contractor continue with the work.
He emphasized that the encroachment is not only slowing down the project but also poses safety risks to both the workers and the traders themselves. He said they want to protect lives from the beginning to the end of the project.
“They are trading on the portions of the road where the contractor has to work and we are pleading with them to move away. We want to make sure that we start and end this project without any incident of accident to anybody,” he added, also advising pedestrians to be cautious whilst using the road.
The Deputy Director in charge of Planning and Development at the Department of Urban Roads, Frank Osei Sekyere, has also raised concerns about the practice of changing oil and spare parts on the road, which can damage the infrastructure.
He urged individuals to desist from such practices to ensure the longevity of the road.
“We have indicated to them that we don’t want them to remain on the road and work within the road as oil will react with the bitumen and cause the early deterioration of the road,” he stated.
Mr. Okyere added that the oil, when smears on the landmarks, also clears them off causing road users not to see clearly where to use in the night. He called on the police to ensure arrests are made in that regard to deter potential culprits.
The Suame Interchange project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area. However, the delay caused by the traders’ encroachment may impact the project’s timeline and overall quality.
The authorities are hopeful that the traders will cooperate and relocate to allow the project to proceed smoothly.
