Wa, June 23, (Ramsey), GNA- A Multi- Million Ghana cedi Fruit Juice Factory inaugurated early last year in the Wa Municipality to produce fruit juice for both the domestic and external markets is yet to begin production.

The project which was a partnership between the Wa Municipal Assembly and Ieper City of Belgium, is facing both logistical and bureaucratic challenges which are impeding its orderly progress. Mr. Mohammed Rufai, Wa Municipal Coordinating Director who disclosed these in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Wa on Tuesday, cited delays in the extension of electricity supply, bureaucracy involving the relevant Agencies, and conformity to environmental standards as some of the bottlenecks hindering the project. He however gave the assurance that the factory would begin production in commercial quantities before the end of the year, and urged all stakeholders of the project to work towards its viability. Mr. Rufai explained that all the necessary ground work such as the extension of electricity, drainage works, safety and security measures were almost completed, while the registration of company and formation of board of Directors were also on course.

"We were not aware of certain logistic demands until the inauguration, which we needed both finance and time to work on, hence these delays. We have engaged the Ghana National Fire Service, the Food and Drugs Board and Environmental Protection Agency all of whom have now completed their work", Mr. Rufai explained.

The Municipal Coordinating Director appealed to fruit producers in the region not to give up, but to continue producing in large quantities to feed the factory on a sustainable basis when it starts work. On the new industrial complex in the Municipality, the Director said plans were far advanced to move all artisans dotted round the municipality to the new site.

He said three boreholes had been drilled and would soon be mechanized to serve the entire community while electricity had already been extended to the place. He called on all registered artisans to put finishing touches to their structures.