Regional News of Monday, 28 April 2003

Source: .

Nsawkaw solicits 200 poles to complete electrification project

Mr Adjei Asumang, Assemblyman for Henries Electoral Area at Nsawkaw in the Wenchi District of Brong Ahafo, on Friday appealed to the District Assembly and prominent citizens to assist in the procurement of 200 low-tension electricity poles for the completion of the town's electrification project.

Speaking to Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Nsawkaw, Mr Asumang said the community initiated the project in 1999 and acquired 90 poles at 45 million cedis while the previous government provided high-tension poles for the connection of the power from Badu, about 28 kilometres away, after the Ministry of Energy had awarded the contract to a Kumasi-based electrical installation company.

He said the contractor who abandoned the project since then, however, resurfaced last month following an ultimatum by the ministry.

Mr Asumang who could not disclose the contract sum, said about 200 low-tension poles would be required to meet the present demands of the fast expanding township.

The area, he said would benefit immensely from the project, as it would boost the establishment of small-scale industries that would create employment for the jobless youth.

The Assembly Member mentioned the Birim Gold Fields Limited, a Canadian Gold Mining firm operating in the country that had since July 2001 completed feasibility studies to begin operations in the area but had been constrained by the lack of power in the area.

The Assembly Member appealed to the government to re-award the contract for the construction of the Wenchi-Nsawkaw-Sampa trunk road, which was abandoned early last year.