Madam Helen Ntoso, Volta Regional Minister, has cut the sod for work to begin on a health centre estimated at GH¢ 257,000 for Brewaniase in the Nkwanta South District of the Volta Region.

The project, with funding from the Japanese Government, would serve about 10,000 people in the farming community. It is to be completed in eight months.

Access to healthcare is a major concern for people in the area who depend largely on herbalists and ‘fake’ medical practitioners. They occasionally trek some 20 kilometres to Nkwanta for healthcare services.

Some pregnant women, children, and very ill elderly persons have reportedly died before reaching health facilities due to the distance and bad nature of roads in the area.

Madam Ntoso said the commencement of work on the health centre marked the beginning of accelerated growth in the area and charged the Contractor to complete the project on schedule.

She gave the assurance that feeder roads in the area would soon be fixed, while surrounding communities would be connected to the national electricity grid.

Mr Gershon Gbediame, Member of Parliament for the area, asked the people to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to “benefit fully” from the health centre.

Dr. Kwesi Djokoto, Nkwanta District Director of Health Services, said “health is the responsibility of all” and implored the stakeholders to work together.

Nana Kowurah Tidibo Odamba II, Paramount Chief of Ntrobo Traditional area, said the community had been struggling for a health centre for 20 years and commended the Japanese Government for the assistance.

He also commended the government for its lead role in the project and the upgrading of facilities at the Ntroboman Senior High School.

Mr Wellington Djampeh, Director of Well-J Construction Limited, the construction firm working on the health centre, expressed hope that the Centre would be ready for use by October, 2015.