13.9 million euro Community Infrastructure Project begins in Kumasi

Kumasi, Dec. 9, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu,= on Wednesday performed cut the sod to begin work on the second phase of the 13.9 million euro Urban Environmental Sanitation Project (UESP). It involves infrastructure upgrading in four communities; Ahinsan, Asokwa, Anloga and Atonsu and the lining of Aboabo storm drain. In addition, 13 kilometres (km) of roads would be constructed with the provision of road side drains, walkways, and traffic management accessori= es. A 12.5 km water project through extension of existing distribution lines would also be provided. Street lighting system would also be enhanc= ed and sanitation facilities built.

The Aboabo storm drain works include concrete lining and constructi= on footbridge across the drain.

The French Government through the Agence Francaise de Developement (AFD) is providing 13.38 million euros to finance the project with the Gh= ana Government picking the remaining 0.54 euros.

Rolider Limited/Aya Construction limited had been awarded the job w= ith Louis Berger SAS and Transtech Consult, as consultants. It is expected to be completed in two years.

Mr Opoku Manu said the project would benefit not only residents in the four communities but the entire metropolis. He called on the people to give every necessary assistance and cooperation to the contractors to enable the project to be completed on schedule. The French Ambassdor, Mr Francis Hurtut, said they were proud to be=

associated with the project that would positively affect the lives of ove= r 90,000 people. He mentioned the Oforikrom-Asokwa by-pass as the other projects the=

AFD was funding in Kumasi and pledged his country's continued support for=

Ghana's socio economic progress. Mr Samuel Sarpong, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, said already a number of development projects were being undertaken to raise t= he living conditions of the people. He said a drainage master plan had been designed to dredge and line=

the Sissai and Wiwi rivers to control flooding, check poor environmental sanitation and degradation. Mr Sarpong gave the assurance that the Assembly would hasten the documentation processes for compensation payment to all affected property=

owners.