[ 2016-09-27 ]

Gov’t launches project to clean beaches, promote fishing industry
The Ministry for Fisheries and Aquaculture
Development has launched a project to support the
fishing industry in the country.

The Coastal Sanitation is also aimed at enhancing
sanitation at fishing communities in the country.

Launching the project on Friday, September 23,
2016, at Lower Axim in Axim in the Western Region,
the Minster for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Sherry
Ayittey, said the construction of toilet
facilities in the fishing communities forms part
of infrastructure projects earmarked.


“Each facility will include the construction of
12-seater toilets with a 12-unit washroom, a
pavilion to host social services such as health,
education, biogas plant, borehole, and water
reservoir for its efficient running,” she said.

The first phase of the project will be implemented
in 13 selected fishing communities across the
country including Anto Apewosika in Axim in the
Western Region.

Also, Anuakpor, James Tow and Kpone in the Greater
Accra Region; Dago, Moree and Otuam in the Central
Region; Abuesi and Bonyee in the Western Region;
Akplortortor, Amutinu and Hedranuwo and Marine
Matikpo in the Eastern Region have also been
selected for implementation Coastal Sanitation
Project.

Sherry Ayittey urged the communities to provide
the necessary support to ensure the success of the
project.

“It is my expectation that they will make
maximum use of the facilities and ensure its
maintenance,” she adds.

Gov’t committed to fishing industry

The minister said the Coastal Sanitation Project
is evidence of government’s commitment to see
the fishing industry develop.

Madam Sherry Ayittey said the John Mahama-led
administration will continue to distribute fishing
input such as outboard motors to support
fishermen.

She revealed that government has introduced a
programme that enables fishermen to pay 60% of the
cost of an outboard motor whiles the District
Assemblies pay the remaining 40% through their
Common Fund.

She said since the inception of the programme,
over 1,600 outboard motors have been distributed
to fishermen.

The Minster underscored the importance of the
fishing industry, which she identifies as
possessing a huge potential to earn foreign
exchange for the country.

Ghana’s export of fish and fisheries to the
European Union (EU), she said, was over 500
million yearly.

It was against this backdrop that she stressed the
need to ensure hygienic sanitary conditions at the
landing beaches and fishing communities.

That, she intimated, will enable the fishing
industry to take advantage of opportunities out
there in terms of export of fish and earn income
for themselves and the country as a whole.

Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Lower Axim
East, James Baidoe, was full of praise for
President John Dramani Mahama for the launch of
the Coastal Sanitation Project.

He was hopeful that the project will stem open
defecation, especially defecation along the
beaches.

“The Costal Sanitation Project will equally keep
our beaches clean and help attract tourists which
will earn Ghana foreign exchange,” he said.

Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Kweku T.
Kessie, said it was unfortunate that beaches in
the country have become defecating grounds by some
recalcitrant residents along the coastal areas.

He warned that after the completion of the project
the law will deal ruthlessly with anybody who goes
to “desecrate our beaches.”

Source - Myjoyonline.com

... go Back