Elmina (C/R), Nov 3, GNA - Member of Parliament for the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA), Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, on Thursday tasked the Central Regional office of the Lands Valuation Board to expedite work on valuing of structures located along the fringes of the Benya Lagoon at Elmina, to facilitate the dredging of the lagoon. Dr Nduom made the call when he met with the chief fisherman at Elmina, Mr Jojo Solomon and some other members of the fishermen's association.

In all, more than 300 structures, about 40 of them permanent, are to be removed to pave way for the project, which is scheduled to take off in December this year.

Last June, the Minister of Water Resources Works and Housing, Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, cut the sod for the 12 million-Euro project, which is being funded in the form of export credit and state loans by the government of Belgium.

It entails the deepening of the harbour area from the lagoon mouth and entrance channel behind the existing breakwater and the repair of the existing breakwater to improve the intake and safety of the fishing fleet.

The interaction to brief the fishermen on measures being taken towards the implementation of the project and the roles expected to be played by the community.

Dr Nduom, who is also The Minister of Public Sector Reform, also tasked them to help ensure good sanitary conditions and stop dumping refuse and other waste into the lagoon.

The Regional Valuer, Mr Justice Morgan, assured the MP that the assessment would be completed shortly and sent to the appropriate quarters for the necessary action.

The project manager, Mr Destiet Bram, of Dredging International NV of Belgium, contractors for the project, also re-assured that work would begin on time.