Timber firms asked to operate within the laws

Nkotie-Subriso (W/R), July 29, GNA - Madam Doris Gyapomah Oduro, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Wassa Amenfi East, on Friday urged timber companies to comply fully with their mandatory Social Responsibilities Agreement (SRA) with communities they operated in. She identified the non-compliance of these agreements and failure by some companies to respect the rights of farmers as the source of misunderstanding, conflicts and discontentment, which must be avoided. Madam Oduro was interacting with the Chiefs and people of Nkotie-Subriso as part of her familiarisation visit to some communities in the District.

The people complained about the destruction of cash and food crops by loggers who refused to pay compensation for the damage. They also spoke about lack of schools, potable water, public toilets, bad roads and exorbitant lorry fares, which made life in the area difficult.

The DCE gave the assurance that the District Assembly would adopt measures to ensure that "only responsible and law abiding" timber contractors operated in the area. She stressed the government's determination to continue formulating programmes and policies for the accelerated development of the people. Madam Oduro said even though some roads had been awarded on contract, the contractors failed to execute their jobs after collecting money for mobilisation.

She stated that 60 communities in the District would soon get electricity supply to facilitate the socio-economic activities of the people.