Amasaman (G/R), March 30, GNA - The Government has approved 10.4 million euros to finance part of the Korle Lagoon ecological project to start infrastructural development in the Old Fadama area.

The project marks the commencement of the relocation of commercial activities at Old Fadama to Adgin-kotoku in the Ga-West district of the Greater Accra region which was meant, to decongest the central business areas of vehicular and human traffic.

Dr. Thomas Fokuo Agyapong, Director for the Modernization of the Capital City said this on Friday when he interacted with owners' of the land to seek their consent to enable the Ministry to acquire 800 acres of land for the first phase of the project.

In all, over 1200 acres of land were required to complete the four phases of the projects across a ten-year life span. He said the first phase of the projects would have amenities such as a link road from the town to Midea, schools, Police post, health centres, electrification works and a warehouse.

He said the projects were being undertaken in collaboration with the Ministries of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment and Water Resource, Works and Housing, Accra Metropolitan Assembly, among others formed part of the Ministry's plan to beautify Accra. Dr. Agyapong noted that the projects, which would begin in September this year, would also have housing and hostel facilities to accommodate both traders and businessmen.

He said the rest of the phases would involve private entrepreneurs who would complement the efforts of government in the overall development of the area. Dr. Agyapong mentioned that the old Fadama area, which comprise Agbobloshie, Sodom and Gomorrah and Timber market would all be relocated after the completion of the projects and the site developed into an ultra modern entertainment center with other low cost apartment for rent.

Mr. Abeiku Dickson, Special Assistance to the sector Minister said the Ministry would continue to use dialogue as opposed to compulsory acquisition to acquire the land for the projects. He called on the landowners to regard the project as a feather in their cup and support government to develop the area into an urban one.