Cape Coast Feb. 10, GNA- A project to improve water supply in all senior secondary schools in the Cape Coast municipality at a total cost of 20 billion cedis, to forestall any hardship in the event of another water crisis in the municipality, is in the offing.

The project is to be undertaken with assistance from DANIDA and the Netherlands government.

The Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze, who announced this at a reception for members of the press at his residence on Monday , said an overall long-term plan to improve the general water supply in the municipality and its environs, was also being considered.

Secondary schools in the municipality had to temporarily close down, when an acute water crisis hit the area two years ago. On employment generation with regard to revamping the sugar industry at Komenda, the Regional Minister explained that plans were advanced to set up a sugar processing plant in the area by March, under a joint partnership between 'Central Sugar' company, a local company and a company in India.

He said already, more than 45,000 hectares of land have been acquired for the cultivation of sugar cane, while several small sugar cane farmers have also been engaged to plant more of the crop to feed the plant.

The Minister, was optimistic that many more jobs will also be created when the plant becomes operational.

Commenting on a recent advertisement in one of the national dailies about the divestiture of the Komenda and Asutuare sugar factories, the Regional Minister observed that, that not withstanding, there will still be a sugar processing plant in the area.

On the performance of the media, the Minister commended them for their hard work, support and urged them to continue to co-operate with his administration to move the region forward.

Mr Edumadze, however, also echoed calls on the media to help ensure that this year's general elections are conducted peacefully, and urged them to cross-check their facts and deal with issues, instead of attacking personalities.

"We are in an election year and l would advise that you give of your best and give equal coverage to all and desist from witch hunting," he cautioned.

Mr Michael Essandoh, Regional Coordinating Director, on his part, called on the media not to use their reportage to divide the nation and particularly the region, "in this election year", and reiterated the need for them to help foster peace and unity among the people.