Housing Minister Appeals for More US Assistance

Mr. Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Works and Housing, on Thursday appealed to the United States for two helicopters to check activities of farmers who crop on river banks or settle in those areas.

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by US Ambassador, Ms Kathryn Dee Robinson in Accra, the minister said the activities of these people lead to the drying up of rivers.

He also asked for financial assistance to preserve Ada beaches, which are frequently hit by high tidal waves, some as high as 20 feet.

He said the waves are destroying the eco-system of the area, one of the most diverse and beautiful in Ghana.

Mr Bartels said the project bidding process in the ministry would be made very transparent so that the winner and losers would both feel satisfied.

Ms Robinson expressed concern about the frequent water shortages in some parts of Accra and Tema and said she hoped the situation would be improved.

"The embassy will keep an open mind in monitoring water bodies and area hydrological services in the country ".

She said funds for projects should be made transparent to reflect the zero tolerance corruption agenda of the Kufuor administration.

She touched on the US-sponsored Habitat Housing Project in the rural areas and suggested the project be left to stand on its own.

The minister, however, was of the view that the project would still need government assistance, adding that, the 2001 budget has a provision to give it a push.

Mr Bartels explained that the project was torn between his ministry and Local Government making things a little difficult for them in the past.

He gave the assurance that things will be streamlined to make the project successful.