Ccommunities within Bui hydroelectric project to receive compensation

Bui (B/A), Aug. 11, GNA- Mr. Felix Owusu-Adjapong, Minister of Energy, on Friday assured communities within the Bui power hydroelectric power project of excellent compensation.

He said the sector Ministry in collaboration with the Land Valuation Board had completed the necessary procedures to compensate affected communities and asked the people to support the project. Mr. Owusu-Adjapong gave the assurance when he interacted with communities within the project's area as part of a working visit to the project site at Bui in Brong Ahafo. At Jama resettlement camp in Bole-Bamboi district of the Northern region, Mr. Owusu-Adjapong said the Ministry initially intended to construct two bore holes to provide the people with potable water.

"Even though I know life would be unbearable for you at the beginning, the government would do its best in providing you with some basic necessities that would alleviate your plight", Mr. Owusu-Adjapong said.

Mr. Owusu-Adjapong later held discussions with the management of the Sino hydro Cooperation and contractors of the project at the Dam site.

He noted that even though the ethics of Chinese and Ghanaian differed, there was the need for the workers to peacefully co-exist to improve relations between the two countries. Mr. Owusu-Adjapong advised the workers at the Site to work hard and learn from the contractors. He expressed optimism that the project on completion would help bridge the gap between the Northern and Brong-Ahafo regions in infrastructural development.

Mr. Nana Michael Togbadza, leader of the Camp, complained that because of the resettlement, the people who are mainly farmers and fishermen currently had no means for survival and appealed to government provide them with food items and improved seeds for farming. He appealed to government to pay compensation to the people on time so that they could provide their domestic needs.

Mr. Togbadza said infrastructural projects including school, community center and places of convenience were under progress at the camp.

Nana Kwadwo Pambo II, Chief of Jama, said the area had lost vast tracts of land, most especially due to the resettlement exercise. He appealed to government to expedite action on the payment of compensation designed for the traditional council and the affected people.

Nana Pambo called on the authorities to extend electricity to the area and improve the road networks to facilitate economic activities. At Banda-Ahenkro Okokyeredom, Nana Kwadwo Sito 11, Omanhene of Banda Traditional Area, expressed regret that the previous government took a large portion of the traditional land for the establishment of the Bui National Park without paying compensation to the people. He said "I believe the New Patriotic Party Government will not do a similar thing".

Nana Sito commended government for initiating the Bui power project and gave assurance that his people would cooperate to with the authorities to towards its successful completion.

With the Energy Minister on the tour were Mr. Antwi Darkwa, Director of Power at the Ministry, Mr. Addo Yobo, Chief Executive Director of Bulk Oil Storage Transport (BOST), Mrs. Diana Hammond, Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Fred Owusu, Director of Bui hydroelectric authority and Nana Kwadwo Kwakye, Deputy Regional Minister.