Apam (C/R), Sept. 24, GNA - The government has approved 1.4 billion cedis to each district assembly under the HIPC Initiative for development projects this year.

Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, said since the government adopted the Initiative, the Gomoa District Assembly has benefited from the provision of educational, health, sanitation and portable water facilities.

These were contained in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Alhaji Issah Ketekewu, at the annual Akwambo Festival of the chiefs and people of Apam in the Central Region.

He said development was shared responsibility of the government, local authorities and the people who were the ultimate beneficiaries. The Minister said the authorities recognised chiefs as both traditional authorities and partners in development and assured them of support to provide the required leadership for local and district development.

He asked development traditional rulers to educate their people on environmental management to maintain a high standard of living. Mr Ishaque Essilfie, Special Assistant to the Central Regional Minister, urged the people to take advantage of the President's Special Initiative on Cassava and the National Health Insurance Scheme to improve their incomes and health status.

Mrs Ama Benyiwa-Doe, MP for Gomoa West, appealed to the government to ensure the rehabilitation of the Apam streets.

Miss Joyce Mildred Aidoo, District Chief Executive (DCE), expressed concern about the poor recovery of loans under the Poverty Alleviation Programme with about 600 million cedis in arrears at the Akyempim Rural Bank, at Dawurampong, alone.

The DCE enumerated a number of projects executed by the government in the district.