The Deputy Minister for Local Government, decentralization and rural development, Hon. Augustine Collins Ntim, has bemoaned the delay in the construction of Jaman North’s new assembly block after about five years of being awarded to a contractor.
Speaking to The Sikaman Times and Ark News’ Kwaku Mensah Abrampa, the deputy minister who doubles as the member of parliament for Offinso North Constituency in the Ashanti region, indicated that his biggest challenge as a deputy minister for local government as far as Jaman North is concerned is the lack of a modern and expanded edifice for the District Chief Executive and his officers to work with convenience,
He revealed that the contract for the uncompleted assembly block was awarded close to five years ago and that about 80 of the similar projects within the same five-year period have been completed by other contractors.
He stressed that the issue of the pending project has nothing to do with financial constraints and noted he will ensure the termination of the contract if it is established that the contractor is the cause of the delay.
On the issue of the dilapidated nature of the roads in the Jaman North district, Hon. Ntim disclosed that the Minister for Roads and Highways is keen to ensure that all roads in the country are in good shape, but funding has been the problem.
He appealed to residents of the district to exercise restraint while they awaited the return of the contractor to the site as soon as possible.
Hon. Ntim added that despite the challenges in the district, most departments and agencies are performing exceedingly well, especially in the areas of health services, education, and agriculture.
He, however, observed that teenage pregnancy is a major challenge within the district, pleading with parents and stakeholders to come on board to ensure effective sensitization to reduce its prevalence in the district.
The Dwantoahene of Sampa Traditional Council, Nana Kwame Kodom, drew the attention of the deputy minister to some problems facing the district and Nananom, including the poor state of roads and a shortage of teachers at the Sampa Nursing Training College.
Nana pleaded for the government’s intervention by ensuring the provision of enough teachers and the construction of the roads leading to the school premises to enhance effective teaching and learning.
