Sekondi, Sept. 20, GNA - Sea Defence Projects in the Central and Western Regions to protect fishing landing sites are progressing steadily.

The projects would safeguard the coastline of fishing landing ports at Shama, Dixcove and the Elmina-Benya Lagoon.

Mr Samuel Johnfia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Works and Housing told the Ghana News Agency after the Committee had paid a two-day inspection visit to the two regions.

The tour was to enable the Committee to acquaint itself with the on-going projects so as to make inputs to ensure its quick completion. Mr Johnfia said the Government had secured 11.5 million Euros from the Belgian government for the redevelopment and dredging of the Benya Lagoon at Elmina to help to restore the fishing landing port to its economic status as the third largest fishing port in the country. The Chairman of the Committee said the Benya Project would also involve the dredging of the entrance channel, the re-building and extension of the breakwater with armour rocks.

Mr Johnfia said at Shama, a 350 long breakwater had been built where the sea joins the lagoon at the cost of 1.5 billion cedis. "The Dixcove Project, which is estimated at 5.4 billion cedis has also begun with the construction of a bridge to facilitate the transportation of armour rocks and boulders to the project site." It would involve the reclaiming of lands around the fishing ports and the dredging of the lagoon.

Mr Johnfia said the Government had approved funds for the projects, which were being undertaken by the Ministry of Works and Housing and that the visit would help the Committee to make recommendation to Parliament.