Apam, Dec 26, GNA - The Gomoa District Assembly has affirmed its determination to complete work on a new classroom and dormitory block for Panfokrom Women's Training Institute within the first quarter of next year.

Mr Oscar K. Abban, the Presiding Member of the Assembly gave the assurance when he met the Headmistress of the Institute, Madam Rebecca Ampah-Korsah, at Apam.

He explained that the delay was due to the underestimation of the cost of the remaining part of the two projects, adding that, the issue had been ratified and everything was being done to ensure that work was started and completed next year.

Mr Abban said the Assembly placed a high premium on education, particularly on the STEP programme to empower more unskilled female citizens in the district to become economically self-supporting. He said the programme was dear to the heart of President J. A. Kufuor and the NPP administration, adding that, the District Assembly would leave no stone unturned to make the programme successful. Mr Abban commended Madam Ampah-Korsah and the teaching staff for repeatedly reminding the beneficiary districts including the Gomoa District Assembly on the need for them to mobilize resources to finish the two projects.

Lack of adequate classrooms and dormitory facility had delayed the implementation of the STEP programme at the Panfokrom Women 's Training Institute, which is expected to cover Agona, Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, Awutu-Effutu-Senya and the Gomoa Districts. Last week the management of the Institute reminded the five districts of their responsibility to complete the stalled projects in good time for the STEP programme.

According to the Headmistress, the institute had plans to turn out 450 skilled trainees annually under the programme.