Indian Exim-Bank facility to accelerate rural electrification programme

Accra, Feb. 2, GNA - Prof. Michael Ocquaye, Energy Minister, on Thursday said the Ministry of Energy has not directed the contractor working on some rural electrification projects in some communities in the Sefwi-Wiawso constituency to stop work.

The Minister, who was responding to a question in Parliament said at the moment, the contractor was carrying out the high and low voltage pole erection in Sui, Abrabra, Essakrom and other communities in the area.

"Within the last two months, a total of 206 high voltage poles have been erected on the Sui-Abrabra Mile five line route." On other programmes for the electrification of various communities across the country, Prof. Ocquaye said for the implementation of on-going projects, the Ministry had taken delivery of electrical materials ordered under the 15-million-dollar Indian Exim-Bank credit facility. "Further, Parliament has approved a 60 million Indian Exim Bank loan for the government of which 30 million dollars would be used for our rural electrification project." "The materials to be procured under this facility are expected to be delivered in the second half of this year. This should enable us accelerate the pace of the electrification programme." 2 Feb. 06