Juaso (Ash), Sept 3, GNA - The Asante Akim South District Assembly has earmarked 30,000 Ghana Cedis from its common fund for the establishment of a bamboo processing center at Obogu near Juaso. The project which is a collaboration between the assembly and the Rural Enterprises Project (REP), is to explore the use of bamboo as an alternative to timber in the production of timber-based items. A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect has been signed between the two parties, while preparatory works are underway for the commencement of the project.

Mr. De-graft Forkuo, District Chief Executive (DCE), disclosed this at a district stakeholders conference for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) at Juaso on Tuesday.

The conference which was also used to inaugurate the assembly's MSE Sub-Committee, was to deliberate on challenges facing MSEs in the district and strategise the way forward. Mr. Forkuo noted that the district was among 20 districts nation-wide to implement the project, and urged all stakeholders to play their respective roles effectively to ensure the success of the project. He entreated the MSE Sub-Committee to work hard towards the reduction of poverty in the district, stressing the need for their work to be devoid of politics.

The DCE called for effective collaboration between the committee and the Business Advisory Centre (BAC), facilitators of the REP, to ensure speedy execution of the project.

Mr. Agyapong Aikins, Head of the BAC, said a five-acre land had been released by the Obogumanhene, Nana Owusu Asiamah, for the project while efforts were being made to secure additional land at Kyempo for the purpose of bamboo cultivation.

He, however, pointed out that there was enough bamboo in the district which would serve as source of raw material pending the maturity of the plantation.

He said, though the first phase of the project would require an amount of 30,000 Ghana Cedis, the total cost of the project would be 50,000 Ghana Cedis, adding that the REP would provide industrial machines at a cost of 15,000 Ghana Cedis.

Mr. Aikins added that the centre when completed would begin with the production of toothpick and later move into the manufacture of furniture and other products He said the centre would also be developed into an industrial site where other artisans could relocate their businesses.