Motorists and residents of Budo-City in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region have lauded the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation for cutting the sod to begin reconstruction of the deplorable New Atuabo road, which stretches through Budo-City Junction to Bogoso Junction.
While welcoming the initiative, residents also appealed to the Foundation to honour its commitment by completing the 2.1-kilometre road, which they say has become a major source of stress due to its poor condition.
Speaking to Citi News on Saturday, July 5, on the sidelines of the sod-cutting ceremony, residents expressed hope that the project would help reduce the heavy traffic on the main Tarkwa Station to Bogoso Junction road.
“The potholes on this road cause serious damage to our cars. We sometimes get stuck or have to call for towing services. During the rainy season, the road becomes so slippery it’s nearly impassable,” said Samuel Tetteh, a motorist who plies the route regularly. “We’re grateful to Gold Fields for initiating the project, but we plead with them to follow through and complete it.”
Another motorist, Kweku Asumang, echoed similar concerns. “This road is a major alternative when there’s traffic on the main route. It’s in terrible shape, and we’re counting on Gold Fields to fix it as promised.”
Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, assured the public that funds have been secured, and the contractor has been fully resourced to complete the road within two years.
“Infrastructure development is one of the key pillars of the Foundation. As a mining company, Gold Fields is committed to improving infrastructure in its operational areas. This project, worth GHS11.6 million, will link the New Atuabo community and ease congestion on the main Tarkwa to Bogoso road. That’s how significant this initiative is to us.”
The Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Issah Salifu, also commended Gold Fields for supporting the government’s infrastructure efforts. He pledged to work with stakeholders to tackle other poor roads across the municipality.
General Manager of Woodbine Ventures, the construction firm handling the project, William Amponsah, assured the community of timely completion. He also called on residents to cooperate with the construction team to ensure smooth execution.
