WAPco fulfils social obligation
The Management of West Africa Gas Pipeline Company Limited—WAPco - has in line with its Community Development Programme, constructed a six-classroom block at a cost of $80,000 for the people of Abuesi, a predominantly fishing community within the company's catchment area.
The project, which includes a Teachers" common room, an office for the headteacher and toilet facilities, is in fulfillment of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the company and the community about a year ago.
At a brief but impressive ceremony last Thursday where the project was commissioned and handed over to the community, the General Manager of WAPco, Harriet Wereko-Brobby, disclosed that the company has spent an additional $136,000 in undertaking projects in other communities around Abuesi.. These, she said, included the development of a drainage system for the people of Aboadze, construction of a modern place of convenience for Inchaban, completion of a 3-classroom block for Dwomo and a kindergarten block for Shama.
The General-Manager further noted that the company, which had for the past two weeks commissioned similar projects in Lagos and Ogun States in Nigeria, also cut the sod to commence works in another community project in Benin. She disclosed that WAPco has also started working on the next phase of its programme which is expected to kick start as soon as on-going projects for the Year One programme ends.
Mrs Wereko-Brobby said all these projects were taking place so that communities hosting the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project across the sub-region would derive some benefit from its presence amongst them, even as management continues to complete the Pipeline Transmission system.
She noted that since WAPco is making all efforts to fulfil its side of the MOU, it is up to the communities within its catchment area to also honour their commitment to maintain an environment that will facilitate the construction and operation of the Pipeline.
The Bishop in-charge of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese of the Methodist Church, Rt . reverend John Harvey-Ewusi, on behalf of the church and the chiefs and people of Abuesi commended WAPco for building a new primary school block for the community. He also assured management that the school will be properly maintained.
The Statesman learnt that the new school block replaces the dilapidated Methodist primary school sited at the centre of the community. Information gathered by this reporter has it that the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly intends to convert the old school block into a market.