Work Resumes On WR Theatre Project

Construction work on the Re-gional Theatre complex at Fijai, near Sekondi, has resumed after 18 years of delay.

Work on the 3,000-seater theatre, according to the contractors, had delayed because of the slow pace in the release of funds for the project.

The project, started in 1989 at an estimated cost of ¢268 million, was scheduled for completion within one-and-a-half years.

Investigations have revealed that the project will now cost c10 billion.

A three-man delegation from the Western Regional House of Chiefs, led by Nana Kobina Nketsia v, Omanhene of Essikado, on Thursday visited the site to acquaint themselves with the latest developments.

Briefing journalists after the visit, Nana Nketsia said the chiefs did not want the project to become a 'white elephant’ and added, 'we want to know what obstacles there are, so that we can help resolve them.'

Nana Nketsia expressed satis-faction at the extent of work done and hoped that the government would make money available for the early completion of the project.

For his part, Kojo Yankah, the Managing Director of Westland Construc-tion, con-tractors on the project, said about 75 per cent of work on the complex had been completed.

He said the sub-structure, columns and the roofing had been completed and gave the assurance that if the funds are released on schedule, the project will be completed in a year.