Harouna Mouhammed, Director of Works of the National Road 14 : "The Koudougou-Dédougou yard does not suffer any delays"

Under the leadership of Harouna Mouhammed, Director of Works of the National Road 14, the completion of the project is in full swing. The civil engineer goes back to the construction model of this road, the requirements of the specifications and the working methodology to complete the work around mid-October.

• What is the current state of progress on the National Road 14 (Koudougou-Dédougou)?

Harouna Mouhammed (H.M.): To date, the construction site has recorded 89% earthworks and 87% of linear roadwork. In the light of these data, there are only about ten kilometres left to complete this work. This portion does not take into account the pavements that have already been installed. The realization of a road involves different layers: the platform, the foundation layer and the base layer. Over the remaining ten kilometres, the pavements are already ready for more than three (3) kilometres. Receptions are underway to start the surface coating in the next few days.

• When does the company intend to close this project?

H.M.: The contract period runs until 30 November 2013. This deadline is largely sufficient to complete the work. That is to say, we do not accuse any delay in the execution of this road project. There is no doubt or concern that the infrastructure will be completed on time. Because according to the planning we have developed, the one that describes the working methodology, we give ourselves mid-October to finish this work.

• How do you respond to some who feel that the realization of the way is not properly conducted?

H.M.: The construction of the national road 14 (Koudougou-Dédougou) is based on the specifications drawn up by the contractor. It strictly follows the technical specifications contained in the tender documents. In this case, it is a matter of creating a surface-coated pavement after having implemented the different layers. This is what was ordered and the company stands at that. Contrary to what is said, the work of the national road 14 (Koudougou-Dédougou) does not consist of the construction of a paved road with bituminous concrete (BB). The comfort which is felt there in circulation is that of a surface-induced road which cannot be compared with that of bituminous concrete (BB). For a section constructed of superficial coating, one does not even speak of thickness. They are layers of gravions alternating with bitumen. Criticism therefore falls within the field of secular road work. The construction of the national road 14 (Koudougou-Dédougou) meets all national and international standards.

• What are the major challenges facing the construction of this infrastructure?

H.M.: As soon as the work began, the construction site encountered a number of realities. The main issue is the collection of materials for various civil engineering activities on the road. Borrowing gites which were reported in the tender documents proved to be prohibited from accessing gites because of their location in the classified forest. Additional resources were needed to get materials elsewhere, sometimes at unimaginable distances. Once this natural constraint has been overcome, the intransigence of the riparian populations is still necessary to allow access to water points. The feasibility study had identified water points throughout the section where the company can supply to carry out the work. But in some localities such as Djoro, Doudou and Poun, we have been denied water collection by the population. Despite the intervention of local elected officials and the Directorate-General for Roads, they maintained their position. When the works were at the level of these villages located around the Kilometer Post (PK) 11, we were forced to go to the Mouhoun River at PK 51 for a distance of forty (40) kilometres to collect. Since the proximity of the materials has a real impact on the progress of the work, these are all difficulties that the company was able to overcome thanks to its undeniable material capacity.

• Are you satisfied with the work done?

H.M.: That goes without saying! When you travel on the track, you will see all the seriousness that has been put into the conduct of this ambitious project. The quality of the work is no longer to be demonstrated. We are totally satisfied with what we have achieved in the context of the opening up of this part of the country. We also strive to make the corrections so that the work done is as perfect as possible.

• What about the environmental aspect of which voices are raised to say that it is not taken too seriously?

H.M.: An environmental impact assessment was carried out prior to the start of work. It must be obvious that such an achievement cannot be achieved without cutting trees. This is why the designer of the work has planned to replant trees. As part of this road project, 1,620 trees were uprooted. Our concern to preserve the environment can be seen throughout the journey. Five thousand (5,000) trees will be replanted between Koudougou and Koudougou. A claimant has already been selected for this purpose. The plants are available and shaped. Within two (2) weeks, users will see the reforestation of the section.

Interview by JE