Western RCC takes stock

Sekondi, Dec. 26, GNA - The Western Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) spent 82.7 billion cedis on the rehabilitation of 5,035 kilometres of feeder roads in the region as at November 2002 finance by the Government and the Danish Fund for International Development (DFID).

Mr. Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, disclosed this at the end of year meeting of the reconstituted RCC at Sekondi, on Wednesday. He said the Manso Amenfi-Asankrangwa, Bibiani-Abuakwa, Elubo-Asemkrom, Sefwi Wiawso-Oseikojokrom, Esiama-Telekoazo-Aniben junction and the Inchaban-Adiembra roads, were some of the major roads under construction.

Mr. Aidoo said the completion of the rehabilitation of some major roads in the region, would enhance the free movement of goods and services from all areas of the region.

He said the activities of galamsey operators in some rural communities were adversely affecting the sources and quality of water for the people.

Mr. Aidoo said the galamsey operators are polluting streams and rivers serving as the main source of water with impunity. He commended the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Village Infrastructure Project (VIP) for providing 142 boreholes, four hand-dug wells and six small town water systems between 2001 and 2002 in several communities.

The Minister noted that the region runs among the highest in terms of illiteracy.

"Available statistics indicate that 40 per cent of children of about three years were not in school while 45.6 per cent of those aged 15 years and above have never been in school," he added.

Mr. Aidoo said all the district assemblies in the region, had been tasked to contribute 50 million cedis "as equity share" every three months towards an investment fund to be established in the region.

Additionally, they are expected to contribute five million cedis for the promotion of an Inter College Sports League for Senior Secondary Schools in the region.

"This project is aimed at developing the skills of the youth and producing future football stars for the national and local teams," he explained.

Mr. Aidoo said that to reduce further degradation of forest reserves in the region, reclamation exercises have began while measures have also been taken to stop the activities of illegal chain saw operators. Mr. Benjamin Armah, District Chief Executive for Juabeso-Bia, said the district assembly had built a Police station at Juabeso and would soon have a modern hospital.

Mr. Kingsley Ofori-Asante, DEC for Aowin-Suman, said Boinso would get a hospital by the middle of next year while a flat for the Cuban Doctors in the district had been rehabilitated.

He appealed to the RCC and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) for support to check the activities of people living in and degrading the Amanshia forest reserve.