MiDA commissions 45.86km feeder roads in VR

The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), on Wednesday, commissioned 45.86 kilometres of rehabilitated feeder roads in the Hohoe and Kpando Municipal areas, in the Volta Region.

The contract “Lot VR4,” estimated at $4,300,000, which was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has opened up the two areas for accelerated development.

The roads are expected to provide access to markets for approximately 65 per cent of the population engaged in agriculture production, in the two areas.

Over 8,000 farmers cultivating maize and 15,000 engaged in rice production will also have their activities enhanced by the rehabilitation of the roads, which are linked to major trunk roads in the Region.

At a short commissioning ceremony at Tafi-Atome, one of the beneficiary communities, Madam Cheryl Anderson, Mission Director, USAID-Ghana, said the support represented “an across-the-board, long-term commitment to the government and the people of Ghana.”

She said rural roads were a tool for social inclusion, economic development and environmental sustainability, and called on the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) to ensure their regular maintenance.

“We have done our part and counting on you to do your part,” Madam Anderson said.

She was hopeful the roads would “provide many generations of children, mothers, infants and fathers; access to schools and clinics, and ultimately lead to greater economic opportunities.”

Mr Matthew Armah, Chief Operating Officer of MiDA said his outfit was happy with the outcome of the Millennium Challenge Account, which had established a model for the implementation of development assistance that ensured value for money.

He said the additional support from USAID came as a relief to complete the construction of important road sections designed with Compact Funds but for which works contracts could not be procured.

Mr Armah said in all, a total of 147kilometres had been done in the Region by MiDA and urged DFR to ensure their maintenance.

Togbe Dabra V, Dufia of Tafi-Atome said the access roads had enhanced tourism potentials of Tafi-Atome’s Monkey Sanctuary, making it much more accessible.

He, however, appealed to MiDA and the USAID to consider tarring the roads for durability.

Mr Francis Ganyaglo, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, assured that the roads would be tarred and maintained.