T’di Market Circle project workers laid off allegedly due to IMF demands

Over 500 workers engaged to work on the Takoradi Market Circle project and the first-ever interchange in the Western Region have been laid off.

General Secretary of the Construction and Building Material Workers Union Richard Asamoah Mensah, who confirmed the news to Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, the host of Connect FM’s Omanbapa morning show, also indicated that the development is as a result of the impending IMF deal.

“The PTC interchange project is currently on hold and all 453 local workers have been asked to go home. The Market Circle project is progressing at a slow pace, 121 workers have been laid off and those still engaged are not being paid. As I speak to you, I’m told the rest of the workers have been asked to go home. I have had meetings with the contractors and they tell me funds have not been released to them due to the IMF deal,” Mr Asamoah Mensah indicated.

He adds that his office has had several engagements with the ministers who are directly in charge of the projects but the outcome has not been unsuccessful.

According to him, the development will delay the progress of the project, which is 80 percent complete.

“Work on those projects is left with only 20 percent to be completed. They are grant projects but since the funds are not forthcoming, the workers are suffering. I have had interactions with the ministers directly involved but it seems they are helpless. The IMF deal is preventing the Chinese government from releasing the funds needed for the project. We are only hoping the situation will improve,” he indicated.

The Sinohydro Corporation Limited three-tier interchange which has direct access to the central business district of the Twin City was progressing steadily with about 80 percent completion rate.

Residents in the Western Region are expecting easy traffic flow after completion.

The Takoradi Market Circle project, on the other hand, is also expected to ensure smooth running of business after completion.

However, the recent development has left many in shock.

Source:3news.com