The delay by various communities, especially in the Northern Regions to supply low voltage poles towards the completion of the Self-Help Electrification Projects has delayed the various phases of the project.

The SHEP-Three would therefore, be completed in the early part of next year, while projects in the Northern sector are expected to be completed by the middle of next year. SHEP-Three and SHEP- Four are therefore, to run concurrently next year due to the delays.

Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond, Deputy Minister of Energy said this in Parliament on Friday when he appeared to answer a number of questions posed by members concerning his ministry.

Mr Yaw Effah-Baafi, NDC- Kintampo asked when the Self-Help Electrification Project (SHEP) in the Dawadawa, Kawampe, Gulumpe, Portor, Jema-Nkwanta, Ntankoro, Yabraso, Asantekwaa and Techera numbers one and two in the Kintampo district would be completed.

Mr Hammond said the towns form part of the on-going SHEP- three Phase three project and installation works for the High and Low Voltage lines have been completed at Yabraso and Asantekwa and they are expected to be connected to the National Grid by January 2003.

He said, however, some major construction works such as erection of take-off towers on the shieldwire supply lines and installation of transformers remain to be done in the Dawadawa, Kawampe, Gulumpe and Portor communities.

The Jema-Nkwanta, Ntankoro and Tichera numbers one and two communities have been earmarked for connection to the national electricity grid under the SHEP-Four Project expected to start in 2003.

Mr Samuel Sallas-Mensah, NDC-Upper West Akim asked whether external funding has been secured for the SHEP-Four project and the Minister said all the structures are in place and the project would take-off on schedule.

Mr Jacob Scherrer Arthur, NDC-Mfantsiman West asked when the High Voltage poles would be supplied and the Minister said the contractor has taken delivery of the poles and he was currently treating them.

Mr Hayford Francis Amoako, NDC- Nkoranza asked what were the plans to assist communities such as those in the Nkoranza District where the High tension poles pass through but have no access to electric supply and the Minister said the poles in the Nkoranza area were of sub-standard, while the communities need to formally apply for connection and supply of electricity.

In another development, Mr Akwasi Dante-Afriyie, NPP-Atwima Mponua asked when Abrofrem, Tano-Odumasi, Aheresu Gyereso and Anasu all in the constituency would be connected to the National Grid.

Mr Hammond said with the exception of Tano -Odumasi, which has been earmarked for connection under the SHEP-Four programme, the other communities are not included in any of the Ministry's electrification programme.

Mr. Stephen Amoanor Kwao, NDC-Upper Manya Krobo in a related development asked the Minister when Dzomoa, Akohia, Akrusu-Saisi, Brepaw, Aframase, Akotoe, Aboase, Bormase, Osonson, Sutapong and Esuom communities that had their lay-out plans prepared in 2001 would be connected to the national electricity grid.

The Minister said all the communities mentioned in the Upper Manya Krobo constituency are not included in any of the Ministry's electrification programme and therefore, advised all such communities to apply to join the SHEP if they meet the requisite conditions.

Mr Moses Dani Baah, PNC- Sissala said in view of the inability of most communities in the Northern sector to procure the Low tension poles would the Ministry assist them, the Minister said there were specific regulations for rural electrification and if any community fails to meet it then they could not enjoy electric supply.