VRA Resettled Communities to Be Linked to National Grid

Fifty-two Volta River Authority (VRA) resettled communities are to be linked to the national electrification grid early next year.

The project, which is being made possible by the Chinese International Water and Electricity Company, is feeding the VRA Resettlement Trust Fund with a loan of $33 million.

Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi and a board member of the Fund, made this known at Dedeso-Wireko in the Fanteakwa District after touring some of the communities in the Eastern Region.

Communities toured by Dr. Ampofo included Onuku Amanfrom, Adukrom and New Senchi.

Briefing the people on the project, Dr. Ampofo, who led a team from the fund's board, said although the project had already begun in some districts it was necessary to meet the communities to sensitise them on the need to identify income generation avenues through which they could make productive use of the electricity when they are linked.

He urged the people to train in various skills which would enable them make good use of the electricity to create wealth, rather than for lighting and recreational purposes only.

Dr. Ampofo hinted that negotiations are underway to secure a $25 million loan for the provision of potable water in the communities.

Mr. Brandford Adu, MP for Okere, revealed that the fund made it possible to acquire a grader and a loader for regular rehabilitation of roads leading to the communities.

On their part, the community leaders expressed their appreciation to the team but lamented the poor housing stock as well as long delays in the provision of infrastructure and mentioned adequate supply of potable water as their prime concern.

The VRA Resettlement Fund was established by an Act of Parliament in 1995 to which VRA contributes $500,000 annually for the improvement in living conditions of the resettled communities as a long period of neglect