Yeji (B/A), Oct. 26, GNA - Mr Joe Gidisu, Minister of Roads and Highways, on Monday, cut the sod for the commencement of work on the re-surfacing of two kilometers of roads at Yeji. He gave the assurance that, the NDC government would ensure the fulfillment of its election promises in pursuance of its "Better Ghana" agenda.

Mr Gidisu announced that the contract for the project had been awarded to Messrs Kenhentson Company Limited at a contract sum of GHC 775,685.84, to be completed by September next year.

Addressing a durbar of chiefs and people at the ceremony at Yeji, the Minister disclosed that, so far about 120 out of the 250 metres of concrete U-drains had been constructed. He said other projects under the contract included the construction of trapezoidal block lined drains, 500 metres of concrete curb and the bituminous surfacing of two kilometers of roads. Mr Gidisu said it was the expectation of the government that, the project when completed, would help improve the living conditions of people in the area and appealed to the contractor to complete it on schedule.

Accompanied by some officials of the Ministry, including Mr Mawutodzi Abissath, Deputy Director in-charge of Public Relations, the Minister implored that, the contractor works according to agreed specifications.

He also appealed to people, who would be affected by the construction of the project, to co-operate with the contractor, saying appropriate traffic management plans would be put in place to mitigate inconveniences that would be caused to motorists and pedestrians. Mr Gidisu said the government would do its best to ensure that Yeji, as the capital of the Pru district, was provided with the necessary infrastructure to befit its status.

He added that, the government had so far, paid GHC 250 million, towards the completion of some projects, initiated by the Kufuor government, stressing that, the provision of roads, in any community, helped to link people to others, to upscale their economic and social well-being. The minister stated that, the construction of the Prang-Abease-Kintampo major road was at the heart of the government, and promised traditional authorities of the area that, at the appropriate time, the dream would come true. Pemampem Yaw Kabrese V, Omanhene of the Yeji Traditional Area, thanked the government for its concern for the plight of the people in the area, noting that, the project would help curb the annual flood problem in the town.

Obviously worried about the devastating effect caused by floods at Yeji, the Omanhene suggested a gradual approach to solving the drainage problem in the town, to ensure effective work. The Omanhene said, he had seen for himself, specifications for the town's drainage system, and that there was the need for the authorities to take a second look at the plan, as it would only provide small gutters, instead of big and deep ones.

Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister said the provision of electricity, schools, water and other infrastructure could not materialize in the face of bad roads.

He said government would not fail the nation in the provision of the needed amenities, to make Ghanaians feel good about voting for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2008 general election. Mr Gidisu and his entourage later inspected a big gutter at Lafikura, a suburb of Yeji, choked with garbage, which the residents claimed, was the cause of the annual floods in the town.

The Minister later paid a courtesy call on Nana Kwadwo Nyarko, Omanhene of Prang and inspected the 100-kilometre road linking Yeji-Prang-Abease to Kintampo.