Government urged to implement report on sugarcane cultivation

Hatorgodo (V/R), Oct. 29, GNA- The government has been asked to revisit the Wakutti Committee Research Report of 1960, which recommended the suitability of the area bordering the Keta and Avu lagoon in the Keta district for commercial sugarcane cultivation. The chiefs and people of Hatorgodo and satellite communities located in the area made the appeal at their maiden Sugarcane Festival (Fofonza) at Hatorgodo at the weekend.

The festival under the theme: "Pillar of Development of Anlo North Sime," showcased the sugarcane and its by-products at the weekend. The communities located north of the Keta and the Avu lagoon also referred to as 'Sime" or water area, grow sugarcane and distils its juice to make a local gin nicknamed "fokel" as their main source of livelihood.

Togbe Agblevor III, Dufia of Hatorgodo, in an appeal called for an immediate consideration for the dredging of portions of the Keta lagoon and the entire Avu lagoon.

"The silting of the two lagoons had made it difficult for it to flow during the rains resulting in the perennial flooding of farms around the basins hampering our incomes," he said.

Togbe Agblevor also appealed for the reconstruction of roads to enhance economic activity to retain the youth and attract teachers to the area.

Mr Edward Kofi Ahiabor, the DCE of Keta agreed with the sentiments of the people on the Wakutti Report and referred to a 1950 Lile Report, which earlier recommended the area for commercial sugarcane cropping. Mr Ahiabor, a Soil and Water expert said one of the richest soil types 'vertifols' found in low plains as in the north Keta area was suitable for rice, cotton and sugarcane and also good for vegetables. "Cuba, Hawaii and Thailand, major sugar exporting nations, also have the same soil types," he noted.

Mr Ahiabor said there was a plan to introduce a drip well irrigation system in the area to improve on farming activities, adding that the dredging of the Avu lagoon and the reconstruction of the roads were being considered.

The DCE inaugurated a three-Unit classroom block constructed by the assembly for the Hatorgodo basic schools as part of the festival and asked the people to embrace government policies such as the National Health insurance scheme.

Mr Dan Abodakpi, MP for Keta, decrying the fallen standards of education in the Volta Region asked the people to educate their children, which is "the surest way for you to escape poverty and ignorance". The festival was aimed at unifying the people both at home and outside for development. 29 Oct. 06