70 billion-cedi package for Tono Irrigation Dam

Tono (UER), Sept 6, GNA- The disaster stricken Tono Irrigation Dam in the Upper East Region is to benefit from a capital injection of 70 billion cedis to facilitate major rehabilitation works on the lands and other facilities.

Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama made this known when he inspected the dam, which had been hit by the massive floods in the region that had destroyed lives and property.

The marauding waters had flooded over 500 hectares of irrigated farms and affected more than 1,000 farmers.

Vice President Mahama said the rehabilitation works was vital to enhance the productivity of the over 6,000 farmers that depended on the dam for their livelihood.

On Tuesday, the Vice President led a technical team, comprising Ministers of State, officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and Ghana Highway Authority to tour some affected communities of Garu, Sandema and Wiaga.

Mr. Issah A. Bukari, Managing Director of the Dam said the high-rise waters had submerged and washed away some canals. He said some houses of farmers living along the Dam had been destroyed and 40 billion cedis was needed to revamp the farms destroyed. Mr. Philip Abayori, president of the National Farmers and Fishermen Award Winners Association donated 90 tonnes of maize and 30 bales of used clothing to the people affected by the floods in the Northern, Upper East and West Regions.

Later at a press briefing to round off his day's visit to the Region, Vice President Mahama called on the various road agencies to expedite action on all culverts and bridges affected by the floods to open up the affected areas for normal business. 06 Sept. 07