The ongoing construction works of the Tamale Airport phase two is about 57 percent complete, the Project Manager, Rev Allan Okomeng-Mensah has disclosed to THE CUSTODIAN.
He said the design works is about 80 percent complete and the main terminal is about 57 percent completed.
Work is also progressing with the other ancillary facilities such as the multi-purpose building (61%) expected to house pilgrims during Hajj and other commercial services.
THE CUSTODIAN has also gathered that the Bulk Utility, which constitute the underground firefighting reservoir, water tanker, and wastewater treatment system among other facilities are also steadily progressing as well as the access road network and car park lounge.
Minister for Transport Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah together with the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu visited the project site to receive first-hand information about progress of work.
The sector minister after inspecting the project expressed confidence that the contract will be completed as scheduled.
THE CUSTODIAN understands it is better, cost effective and profitable for government to construct phase 3 of the project concurrently with the second phase.
Accordingly, Mr. Asiamah is optimistic that the government would be able to meet the demands of the contractor and engineers so that the project will be completed.
The phase 2 works is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2022 but Mr. Asiamah believes with the extension of the 3rd phase, the entire project in the minimum duration would be done by the end of 2022.
“..I am happy with the progress of work and I am hoping that nothing comes to stall the work, even in the midst of this COVID-19, they (contractors) have been able to achieve this level of work”, Mr Asiamah noted.
The Project Manager, Mr. Allan Okomeng-Mensah, said a lot of the materials needed have been brought in for installation and he is confident the project will be completed by January 2022.
Information gathered by THE CUSTODIAN indicates that the phase three will be carved out of what is described as the master plan of the Tamale airport project, which includes warehouses and airport city.
Accordingly, Mr Allan Okomeng-Mensah said the phase three when added will provide a full fletch fire station and extension of the terminal building with enhance facilities.
For his part, the Northern Regional Minister believes the completion of the project will open the gateway for farmers to transport their crops and other agricultural commodities to other parts of the country and the international market.
Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu stated that President Akufo-Addo is a man who fulfills promises he makes to Ghanaians, citing the construction of the airport project as an example.
“I will describe my president as a ‘Talk and Do’ President, when he came to meet the phase one, he promised he was going to improve what he has met and everybody sees what is coming to pass. President Akufo-Addo is not stopping at that, he is adding the phase 3 and we are determined to ensure that the phase 3 is done along with the phase 2”, the Minister stressed.
