Takoradi, Aug. 5, GNA - Work on a 375 million cedi modern fish-smoking centre by the GRATIS Foundation has begun at Amanful, a suburb of Takoradi.

The project schedule for completion in August 2007 and capable of accommodating 30 fishmongers at a time will have a fish smoking area and storage facilities. Mrs Gladys Asmah, Minister of Fisheries, on Friday cut the sod for the commencement of the project and said the facility would ensure improvement in the quality and taste of smoked fish, boost the activities of the women engaged in the sector and reduce smoke emissions.

She urged the women to support the GRATIS Foundation in the discharge of its duties, adding "you could export your produce if it is hygienically smoked and tastes good".

Mr Philip K Nkrumah, Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive, advised the people to embrace the project and said other fishing communities could also benefit from similar projects if the one currently under construction was well patronised. He stressed the need for residents to keep their surroundings clean always to avoid epidemics brought about by untidy environment.