GAWU undertakes integrated rural development programme

Kpando-Torkor, May 28, GNA- The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of the Ghana Trades Union Congress, is to undertake an integrated rural development programme at Kpando-Torkor in the Volta Region. The programme is expected to raise living standards of the mainly fishing and vegetable growing community, which is along the Volta Lake. Nearby island communities, Gabikpo and Dzidzorkpo and Nkonya-Bumbulla are also to benefit from the programme, being funded by the Confederazion Italiana Sindaciti Lavoratori, a Pensioners Union in Italy.

Mr Samuel Kangah, GAWU General-Secretary announced this at the weekend, when he cut the sod to mark the commencement of a borehole project at Kpando-Torkor as part of the programme.

He said the programme was in line with GAWU's efforts to provide special services, including non-formal education and training, group enterprise promotion and transfer of technology for its members and affiliate members in the rural informal sector.

Mr Kangah observed that Kpando-Torkor, which had a virile fish and vegetable wholesale market, lacked potable water and good educational infrastructure hence the need for the programme's attention. He said a Resource Centre complex, including a public library, business galleries and skills development advisory offices, would be constructed for the community.

Togbe Nutakor, the Ewe Community Chief who presided over the function, said the borehole would relieve the people from water -borne diseases associated with the use of untreated and polluted water. Mr Raymond Okrofu Ategbi, GAWU Coordinating Officer, told the Ghana News Agency, in an interview that projected cost of the programme was yet to be finalized as negotiations were still going on with the Italian partners.

He said however that it had been tentatively agreed that under the programme, Kpando-Torkor would be provided with a big motorized boat to ferry people and goods across the lake.

Mr Ategbi said a pupil had been awarded a comprehensive scholarship, under the programme to pursue basic and second cycle education.

He said an exchange programme between pupils of a local basic school at in the community and a school in Italy was also envisaged under the programme.