Accra, March 22, GNA- President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday cut the sod in Accra for work to commence on the 100-million euro Awoshie-Pokuase Road and the Urban Development Project.

The three-year project is being sponsored by the African Development Bank with 63 million euros, while France through the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) is giving out 30 million euros, and the Government of Ghana is making seven million euros available to compensate people who woul= d be affected by the project.

The President performed the ceremony at the Ablekuma Taxi Rank within the Weija Constituency in Accra and charged the contractor to begin work immediately, ensure quality work and finish the project on time. "I'm happy to be present at this ceremony. I have memories of the campaign time when you asked me, 91What can you do to improve our roads fo= r us?' Then I knew the answer was not mine but God's. I'm happy to be h= ere to cut the sod.

"By this project, we are not doing you a favour; governance is all about using the resources to improve the lives of the people", President Mills said, adding, 93We are interested in raising the standard of living of the people."

President Mills assured the people that those who would be affected would be compensated and entreated the chiefs, elders and people in the are= a to lend their support for the successful accomplishment of the project. The project, being implemented by the Department of Urban Roads of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, entails the construction of a three lane dual carriage road from Awoshie to Odogornno, with service roads, a two way lane dual carriageway with service roads on both sides, which would continu= e from Ablekuma to the Nsawam Road, with a reservation in the median along th= e entire stretch of road.

The Community Development Component of the project would comprise the construction of secondary schools, construction of two markets and two transport terminals, rehabilitation and construction of schools and health facilities and the construction of a water supply system and storm drains. The project is redemption of a campaign pledge to the people of Ablekuma and catchment areas by President Mills in the run up to the 2008 elections. When completed, the project would reduce travel time, with fuel saving= , reduction in pollution and improvement in general health and reduction in flooding in some parts of the project catchment area. 22 March 11

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