SIF constructs 21 projects in New Juaben

May 26, 2011
Koforidua, May 26, GNA - The Social Investment Fund (SIF) has constructed 21 multi purpose projects in the New Juaben Municipality, to help reduce rural and urban poverty in the area.

In addition, 10 more other district assemblies in the Eastern Region are also benefiting from different projects, funded by the SIF with support from the assemblies and beneficiary communities.

The Zone Four Coordinator of the SIF, Mr Justice Akufo-Henaku disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Koforidua, on Thursday.

Mr Akufo-Henaku said the SIF was established in 1998 with the responsibility to contribute towards rural and urban poverty reduction in Ghana .

He said the SIF provides targeted assistance to poor and deprived communities in Ghana, in partnership with Community Based Organization, (CBOs), Local Government, civil society organization and other donors, using gender sensitive, flexible, participatory, demand driven and sustainable process.

Mr Akufo-Henaku said currently the SIF was implementing two poverty reduction projects, which included the Second Poverty Reduction Project, financed by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and the Urban Poverty Project (URPRP), financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

He mentioned some of the projects in the New Juaben area as a six unit classroom block and teacher's quarters at Jumapo, a kitchen for the Presbyterian Primary school in Koforidua to help in the implementation of the School Feeding Programme, construction of polyclinic with laboratory and doctors and nurses quarters at Koforidua, as well as other projects in some communities.

Mr Akufo-Henaku said the total amount paid by the SIF so far for the projects was GH¢ 1,318,564, out of GH¢ 1,895,079, earmarked for the entire projects in the New Juaben leaving the balance of GH¢576,514.

He commended the New Juaben Municipal Assembly and the beneficiary communities for paying their 15 and 5 per cent respective share of the total amount for the early completion of the projects.

Mr Akufo-Henaku mentioned the other ten districts benefiting from the SIF funded projects as Birim North, Fanteakwa, West Akyem, Asuogyaman, Suhum Kraboa Coaltar, East Akyem , Atiwa, Akuapem North, Akuapem South and Kwahu South.

He said despite the achievement of the Fund, some of the district assemblies and communities do not show commitment in paying their counterpart funding early to enable the projects to be complete on time.

Mr Akufo-Henaku appealed to beneficial districts and communities to ensure that, they contribute their quota so that they could own the projects as expected by SIF policy.

GNA