The Minister for Fisheries, Mrs Gladys Asmah, on Saturday cut the sod for the construction of a $13 million fishing landing site at Moree, a fishing community in the Abura-Asebu Kwamankese District in the Central region.

The site, expected to be completed within 24 months, would comprised an administration block, fish market, an ice plant, a workshop, fuel depot, a multi-purpose shed and a day care centre.

Mrs Asmah said when completed, the project would help reduce unemployment in the district, adding that the storage facilities would help preserved fish over long periods.

She noted that the issue of food security as a component of poverty reduction in the fishing communities would be boosted through the construction of such facilities.

The minister said government had also began the process of re-possessing the Tema boatyard, which was divested in 1996, at a cost of GH¢300

She assured the people that employment would be created when the construction of the site began by a Dutch Engineering Consortium, (DHV), with preparatory works such as the blasting of rocks.

The minister repeated calls to fishermen to desist from bad fishing practices such as the use of dynamite, carbide and other poisonous substances for fishing.

She said since independence it was only the Kufour administration that had set up a Fisheries Ministry.

Mr Jan Omen, Director of DHV, lauded the inclusion of the day care centre as part of the project.

The District Chief Executive, Mr Joe Acquah-Markin thanked the government for its efforts to reduce unemployment in the area.

He told the people that the NPP government would do more if it was voted back into power in December 7, 2008 election.

The Chief of Asebu, Nana Owiredu Apreku thanked the minister for the project and assured her of the people’s preparedness to contribute towards its completion.



Source: GNA