Accra, Sept. 20, GNA - Mr. Isaac Adjei-Mensah, Minister of Works and Housing, on Wednesday inspected work on the 66.9 million dollar Korle Lagoon Ecological Restoration Project which started in April this year.

The project, expected to be completed within three-and-half years, consists of dredging of about 1.5 million cubic metres of silted material from the lagoon, channel improvement of Odaw river and South Kaneshie drain terminal sections, solid waste disposal and landscaping of the periphery of the lagoon.

It will also cover the construction of dry weather diversion channels around the lagoon, pumping stations, a preliminary treatment plant and a new pipe sea out-fall of 1.5 kilometres.

The project was awarded to Messrs Dredging International of Belgium and Gulf Dredging of Kuwait with Messrs International Marine and Dredging Consultants (IMDC) of Belgium as project consultant.

The first phase involving dredging and channel improvement works at a cost of 26.2 million dollars is expected to be completed in April next year.

It is being funded by the Ghana government, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and OPEC Fund for International Development.

Mr. Adjei-Mensah said the lagoon has never received the necessary attention for the past years but because the government cares about its sustenance "it has taken this bold decision to tackle the project".

Mr. Adjei-Mensah said his ministry in conjunction with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, set up a committee to recommend the best way to re-settle those living at Old Fadama (Sodom and Gomorrah). It is believed that over 25,000 squatters are, illegally, occupying the project site expecting to be resettled elsewhere.

Mr. Dave Morgan, Project Manager of IMDC, stressed the need to move the squatters from the project site to sustain the future of the lagoon. He said it would not be safe for people to live along the lagoon after completion to avoid the temptation to pollute it again.

"Besides, it would be dangerous for people to use boats at certain parts of the lagoon when completed". Mr. Morgan said, however, the lower basin of the lagoon, which would be safe for human activities would be made available to the public.

The Vice President, John Atta Mills, will commission the project by the middle of October.