Abosso Goldfields increases budget for community development

Category: General Created on Saturday, 30 June 2012 13:31 Published Date Written by GNA Hits: 922

Damang (W/R), June 29, GNA - The Abosso Goldfields (AGL) Damang mine has increased its 2012 budget for community development projects to GHȼ 1,853.060.

     On water and sanitation the company has projected to spend GHȼ146,950, education too GHȼ 793,126 has been earmarked, while on health and agriculture amongst others, various amounts have been allocated to them.

     Mr Yaw Britwum Opoku, Community Affairs Manager of AGL Damang mine, said this when the company had a consultative committee meeting with stakeholders and traditional rulers in its catchment area.

     He said in 2011, the company spent GHȼ 851,219 on its community development adding that with the exception of three projects that are at various stages of finishing point the rest have been completed.

     Mr Opoku said some of the projects they executed included a community clinic at Damang, rehabilitation of six unit- classroom block at Koduakrom, teacher’s quarters at Amoada and Huni/Valley.

     He said to help their oil palm farmers obtain better income for their product they have contacted major companies to purchase the palm fruits directly from the farmers.

     Mr Chrito Viljoen, General Manager of AGL, Damang mine, said the company is in difficult moments as the mine was supposed to close down due to old and inefficient machinery.

     He said authorities of the mine based on technical advice observed that AGL, Damang mine, can operate for another 20 years.

     Mr Viljoen appealed to the custodians of the land to assist them in acquiring extra land to enable the company dump its waste materials.