Sebastian Freiku
2 November 2009
Kumasi — THE reconstruction of the New Tafo (Krofofrom) Market by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, in conjunction with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), into a modern market, has taken off in earnest, after an initial delay.
The formal contract was signed in October 2008, after tenders for the project were open in September 2008, and eight contractors were awarded the contract.
Actual construction works of the four phase project, expected to increase retail space in the metropolis on completion, commenced in July 2009, after about 1,900 traders and 20 transport operators had been displaced.
Situated on a 12-acre plot of land, the project, which comes as a jubilee project, comprises the construction of a main block, car park, market stalls, auxiliary floors, 72 open sheds of 2,304 store units, 32 individual stores, space for banks, offices, day care centre, refuse collection sites and toilet facilities.
The first phase of the GH¢15,001,023.41 project, which includes the construction of washrooms, cold store, bulk breaking point, food court , fire and police posts on the ground floor, is expected to be completed by March 2010.
Other major components of the project are, four blocks, which would contain anchor spaces for banks, warehouse rental outlets, a clinic and a day care centre.
The phase two entails the continuation of the ground floors for the completion of about 350 rentable spaces for shops, clinics, and day care management offices, while the phase three contains anchor shops for banks and supermarkets, as well as shops and offices.
All eight contractors, to whom a total of GH¢1,014,558.02 has since November 2008 been paid as 20 percent mobilization fee, are on site, and have completed stands at about 30% of the overall contract currently.
Official contract documents sighted by the Ashanti File, mentioned the contractors as Messrs. Sir Bans Designs and Building Co. Ltd. (GH¢96,862.96), Orabek Ghana Ltd. (GH¢96,890.30), A. BEK Limited (GH¢96,918.80), Joevid Company Limited (GH¢98, 332.96) and Attachy Construction (GH¢226,946.00).
The rest are Messrs. E. Owusu Mensah & Co (GH¢149,817.31), Stanbay Ltd (GH¢113,742.59) and Jinas Construction Limited (GH¢135,047.28).
The take-off of the project had to be delayed to ensure that the traders who were displaced by the project were properly relocated. Transport unions, which were displaced, have since been resettled at the Santos Park and the Race Course, while secondhand shoe sellers have been resettled at the Moro Market, with foodstuffs traders located at a site near the project.
Meanwhile, the Avangarde Design Services, consultant of the project, has indicated that the major constraint facing the project was finance, and has appealed to the clients to make funds available for the early completion of the project, and ensure that the displaced traders return to the market.
Mr. K. A. Yeboah-Asare, Managing Consultant, expressed the hope that the project, after completion, would become a one-stop modern market, and serve as an impetus for the successful implementation of other market projects, particularly the Kumasi Central Market.
Mr. Yeboah-Asare noted that the integrity of the project was embodied in how best displaced traders were brought back to the market, and gave the assurance that for the first time, displaced traders would have the opportunity to occupy their stalls on completion of the project, to make the project a success.
He said, "the project, another quality and first class land mark in the making, cannot fail."
He commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Nana Agyin Frimpong II, Tafohene, Mr. Kofi Opoku-Manu, Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Manhyia, and assembly members, as well as all stakeholders for their concern, commitment, and support towards the project.
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