Accra (Greater Accra) 21 May '99

Four towns in the Upper West Region, namely Lambusie, Hamile, Guo and Tuopare are to be connected to the national Grid soon.

Mr Simon A. Abingya, Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, said this in a press statement issued in Accra on Wednesday after a tour of the northern parts of the Upper West region.

The local cost of the project, which involves the erection of poles and installation, will cost 160 million cedis, and charged the contractor, Boat Electrical Company Limited, to complete the project on schedule.

Other beneficiary towns of the project are Karmi, Ullo, Guri, Chapuri, Han Tampoe, Janvuri and Sigri in one lot, and Ulo, Nandom, Ping, Sabuli, Busie and Dafiama in another lot.

Both phases will be undertaken at the same time at a cost of 168 million cedis and 135 million cedis respectively.

The deputy minister said Pulima, Silbele, Sorbele and Gyawia in the Sissala district would also benefit from the project.

Mr Abingya told the people that it is the policy of the government to get border towns such as Hamile connected to the national grid, adding "Hamile will be switched on by the middle of June, this year", the statement said.

"The government of the NDC, recognising that the Upper West is the youngest region, knows that development is what will let the region catch up with the others.

"The government will therefore leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the region gets its fair share of the national cake," he stressed.

In all, 23 communities will benefit from the facility within the Lawra, Jirapa, Nandowli and Sissala districts.