Wegbe-Kpalime, Oct 16, GNA - A pilot project on the suitability of large-scale rice and beans cultivation in the Wegbe-Kpalime area of the Volta Region is underway.

Togbe Adza Wiah Kwesi II, Chief Wegbe-Kpalime, announced this at a durbar to climax their revived Community Yam Festival at Wegbe-Kpalime on Saturday.

He said if proven feasible, rice and beans cultivation could considerably increase the livelihood opportunities of the people. The festival also marked the first anniversary of Togbe Kwesi's coronation as chief of the area.

Wegbe-Kpalime, located in the South-Dayi District, has vast well-watered plains and long stretches of valleys. Togbe Kwesi, who is a banker, therefore, urged those engaged on the project to hurry up and provide the results and analysis to serve as the green light for people to begin investment in the area. He said there was the need to raise the budgets for the area's developmental needs, which this year, targets accommodation for teachers and nurses in the community. Togbe Kwesi said there were plans to review the obsolete traditional practices which retarded progress and moves to activate the Traditional Council of the area. Mr Kafui Semenu Bekui, South Dayi District Chief Executive, (DCE) promised that the area would have potable water by the end of the year under the Kpali-Tongor GHC 800,000 Water Project. A large royal delegation from the Akpini Traditional Area led by Togbe Tatse Kwaku V, a Divisional Chief, attended the festival to renew the age-old friendship between the Akpinis of Kpando and the people of Wegbe-Kpalime. 16 Oct 11