Modou N "Our Togo yards are progressing normally"

Between one thousand (1,000) and one thousand five hundred (1,500) people are active in the execution of the road projects of Northern Togo by EBOMAF: Dapaong-Ponio, Dapaong-Borgou, Tandjouaré-Cinkanssé. They are made up of engineers, technicians and workers, including some 40 experts, particularly expatriates assigned to the latest generation of equipment and to special activities. At present, there is a real change of direction in all the construction sites where the construction manager, Modou N

- What is the current situation at the Dapaong-Ponio yard?

This project is inevitably over. The works, including the piled bridges, are almost complete. They were connected to the rest of the infrastructure. Today, it is a brand new road infrastructure, with international standards, which is waiting to be received provisionally soon.

- What's your status with the Tandjouaré-Cinkanssé section of the RN1?

This ambitious road project is progressing with satisfaction. Earthworks are almost complete. The application of the severe bitumen (GB) has even begun since April 7. They are the work of a team of Spanish specialists from Barcelona. As of 18 May 2013, it is more than twenty-five (25) kilometres covered by the serious bitumen including the bypass of the city of Cinkanssé. The work currently has an overall rate of execution of more than 50%. The Timbou Bridge is fully designed to avoid deviations during the rains. Activities are currently focused on the further implementation of the cement foundation layer, impregnation and bitumen application.

All amendments contained in this market, including the issue of the ramp at KP 00 or the template for the Cinkanssé bridge, are being implemented. This additional work requires an extension of sixteen (16) months. Added to the remainder of the eight (8) month deadline for the initial contract, we have twenty-four (24) months to complete the work. We think we're holding them.

- What can we keep from the Dapaong-Borgou yard?

On this site, the rate of advancement is also around 70%. Work related to the implementation of the works, cement floor and bituminous concrete (BB). The eight (8) bridges are all at the finishing stage. The roadway is over a long distance. The obstacle of the problem manganese deposit was overcome in conjunction with the administration and the control mission. The earthworks even crossed this place. For the additional works, the company received approval from the administration. Only the rains, which are forecast, are likely to hinder the good momentum of the various construction sites. Aware of this, we are minimizing their impact in order to continue to ensure the smooth running of the work.

- What kind of appeal do you have to the people living on the banks of the various road projects?

Local residents must now agree to release the right of way. We face enormous difficulties in this regard. A part of the population has not yet understood that it must necessarily free the route of the sections to be built. For the widening of the Tandjouaré-Cinkansse road, the embankments are higher than the houses in the right-of-way in the city of Dapaong. As a result, there is no more space for the planned ditches and in case of rain, drainage of the water is no longer possible. The release of the right-of-way is a real problem that needs to be resolved urgently. To this is added the displacement of the services granted: electric and telephone poles, underground water networks, etc.

Interview with JE