Tamale, Feb.16, GNA- The World Bank has provided five million dollars to support reconstruction of bridges, culverts and access roads leading to agricultural areas in the Northern Region, which was affected by floods that hit that part of the country last year. Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, the Regional Minister, announced this at the end of a year get together, organised by the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Tamale on Friday. Chiefs, religious leaders, heads of departments, development partners, district chief executives and members of parliament were among those who attended the event.

He said this year government would extend electricity and water supply to 100 communities each and also tar 15 kilometres stretch of roads in each district of the country. Alhaji Idris recounted the spirit of patriotism and euphoria that engulfed the country during the celebration of the golden jubilee of the country's independence and the Ghana 2008 football tournament and said the Tamale Metropolis benefited immensely from these events. He said the Metropolis had been given a facelift with the construction of ultra modern stadium complex and training pitches, asphalted streets and street lighting, saying " more could have happened if we were all one, united and development focused." Alhaji Idris said it was regrettable to note that barely a week after the blissful soccer fiesta enemies of peace started beating war drums by talking of possible blood bath and all sorts of violence in the region.

He noted in particular a recent threat issued to all non-citizens of Dagbon to leave the Metropolis because of an alleged eminent threat to besiege the Gbewa palace in Yendi. Alhaji Idris asked the people in the region to go about their daily duties without fear as the security agencies had been put on the alert to respond swiftly to any such threat. "Peace is a pre-requisite for development. The government's development agenda for the region can only go far in an atmosphere of peace," he said. Alhaji Idris urged eminent citizens of Dagbon to continue to give good counsel to the RCC and the Regional Security Committee to ensure peace in the region.