Minister visits Pwalugu Tomato Factory

Pwalugu(U/E), April 20, GNA - Mr Alan Kyerematen, Minister of Trade and Industry on Wednesday said equipment and machines to revamp the Pwalugu Tomato Factory had arrived at Tema Harbour and would be transported to the factory site in the Upper East Region soon. Mr Kyerematen announced this on a working visit to the defunct factory near Bolgatanga, which had been on divestiture since 1989. The visit was to assess ongoing refurbishment works that included civil construction works, restructuring of offices, plant rooms and re-gravelling of the compound.

Speaking to the press, Mr Kyerematen, explained that refurbishment of the factory, estimated at about four million US dollars, would create employment for people especially the youth.

He said 10 hectares of crops including tomatoes, maize, pepper, and beans would be cultivated during the farming season.

The Minister of Trade and Industry noted that the project was in line with Government's District Industrialisation policy, under which at least a factory would be sited in each district in the country. Mr Kyerematen said Government would assist the assemblies and communities to find private entrepreneurs to revive divested companies for which no investor had been found.

He explained that Government's assistance to the assemblies and communities to operate the companies was to enable them create wealth for the people.

Mr Giorgio Costa, Spokesman for De Simone Limited, the construction company undertaking the civil works, said would be completed by May this year.

Mr Kyerematen also toured the defunct Meat Factory at Zuarungu near Bolgatanga to assess the situation.

Conducting Mr Kyerematen and his team round the facility, Mr John Dery, the Accountant, explained that the machines were in good condition and required some minor services to become operational. Mr Dery pointed out that when the factory was in full operation, an average of 100 cattle could be slaughtered in a day. Mr Kyerematen said plans were afoot to revamp the factory to help boost cattle ranching in the region and create employment for people in the area. 20 April 06