The Effect of Partially Engineered Road and Its Economic Impartin the Construction Industry in Upper West Region, Ghana

摘要

The road transport is significant in Ghana’s economy as it is the most widely available form of transport, the improvement of road networks in rural community may provide positive impacts to economics and social growth as well as increased international competitiveness. The study seeks to assess the effect of partially engineered road and its economic impact to people in upper west region. The study utilised quantitative and qualitative research approach, sample size of 116 participants consisting of 66 community members, 35 registered contractors and 15 district works department officers was included in the study. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were resorted to, questionnaires and interview guide was used to elicit the views of respondents. Descriptive statistics and the relative importance index (RII) was employed. Study established that disputes between contractors and stakeholders was the major cause of uncompleted partially engineered roads in the districts, follow by client attitude towards payments, supervision during construction, lack of adherence to regulatory requirements and lack of technical capacity. The study further reveals, that the good state of partially engineered road will impact positively on business in the communities such as Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Healthcare provision, Education, Information and communication, Accommodation and food service, Wholesale and retail trade and Construction works. The study recommended that one of the key factors to enhance completion of partially engineered road is that clients should make prompt payment to work done by contractors to avoid them huge financial burdens. This study contributes to knowledge in area of rural road construction to the economic benefit of rural community members.