?12.5bn Voted for dams in northern regions

THE government has voted ?12.5 billion towards the construction of a number of dams and dug-outs in the three northern regions, the transitional zones and the Afram Plains.

The release of the funds for the projects, which constitutes the first phase, will increase the availability of water which has been a perennial problem facing farmers and agricultural production in those areas. The projects will also make available the basic infrastructure to support biodiversity conservation, fishing, livestock, afforestation and dry season gardening.

The Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, announced this at this year’s celebration of the Feok Festival of the chiefs and people of the Builsa Traditional Area in Sandema in the Upper East Region last Friday.

The festival is a reminder of the fierce resistance of the ancestors of the Builsa people against domination and attempts at enslavement by the notorious slave raiders, Babatu and Samori. It is also celebrated as a means of uniting the people for the development of the area. Alhaji Mahama said a $7.6 million grant has been secured from the Global Environment Facility to support biodiversity projects in the country.

He said a greater proportion of the amount will go into the consersation and preservation of water and other natural resources.The Vice-President said ?295 million has also been released for the purchase of guava, cashew, avocado and other cash crops for distribution to farmers. Alhaji Mahama revealed that ?3 billion has been used to buy an improved hybrid of mangoes and other fruits for distribution to farmers.

The Vice-President disclosed that dams will be constructed at Siniers and Kanjarga.He said the Chuchuliga-Sandema Road has been awarded on contract for tarring while the Sandema-Fumbisi Road is also on contract for re-gravelling.

Alhaji Mahama directed the District Chief Executive, Rev James Agalic, to liaise with the Minister of the Interior for the establishment of a police station befitting the status of Sandema, since the town is noted for producing a number of renowned police officers for the country.

The Paramount chief of the Builsa Traditional Area, Ayieta Azantilow, who has reigned for 71 years, appealed to the government to provide a memorial hall for war veterans who have served the country.