Mpraeso, March 24, GNA - Mr Yaw Barimah, the Eastern Regional Minister, has said the government was negotiating with a South African Company to replace the obsolete machines of the Kwahu Ridge Waterworks at Kotoso to ensure regular water supply to communities on the ridge. Speaking at a meeting with members of the Kwahu Traditional Council at Mpraeso on Wednesday, he said the roads in the area would also be rehabilitated.

Mr Barimah appealed to the chiefs to release land to the youth for irrigation and mechanised farming to reduce the high rate of armed robbery among the youth in the country.

He commended the Kwahus for their notable role in the private enterprise sector and assured them of the government's support to enhance the country's development.

Mr Barima appealed to the council to ensure amicable settlement of all chieftaincy disputes to promote peace and development in the district.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng II, the President of the Council, appealed to the Regional Minister to ensure early completion of the Nkawkaw-Atibie-Mpraeso, Abetifi-Abene, Abetifi-Pepease and Kwahu Tafo-Adawso roads.

He advised him to exhibit transparency in his administration to ensure that all the 17 districts in the region get their fair share of the nation's development cake.

The chiefs appealed to the government to change the name of the Afram Plains District to Kwahu North and also to assist the people to check illegal felling of trees by chainsaw operators, high rate of charcoal burning and the destruction of farm produce by herds belonging to Fulani herdsmen.