Regional News of Thursday, 1 July 2004

Source: GNA

Pute and Kadzanya communities hooked to national electricity grid

Pute (GAR), July 1, GNA- Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Energy, on Wednesday inaugurated a 1.7 billion -cedi electrification projects at Kadzanya and Pute, in the Dangme East District of the Greater Accra Region.

The Energy Minister said the projects were part of the holistic development package of the Government.

"We are not looking at whether you wear red; blue; green; white, or yellow. We are only looking for development for each and everyone in the country and the that is what we are all the time concerned with."

Dr Nduom asked the people to make good use of the hydro-electric power, to bring about the needed change in their social and economic status.

They must also refrain from all acts that would threaten the peace and security of the area during political campaigns towards the forthcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Dr Nduom explained: "The beauty of democracy lies in a competition that dwell not on confusion and destruction of the society we desire to develop."

Mr Kofi Plahar, District Chief Executive (DCE) appealed to the Minister to expedite action on efforts to get other communities in the District to be hooked to the national electricity grid.

"It is rather disheartening to know that out of the 33 communities proposed by the District Assembly and approved by the Minister of Energy to be connected to the national grid, under the Self Help Electrification Project (SHEP), only six communities had so far benefited."

Mr Plahar said the communities had purchased poles and in most cases erected them in anticipation of power supply.

"In other not to sacrifice patriotism and communal spirit, I urge the Minister to expedite action on this request."

Mr Delali Oklu, Tema Regional Engineer of the Electricity Company of Ghana, called for public support to check illegal connection of electricity.