The new cement factory
DISTRICT CHIEF Executive of the Shai-Osudoku District Assembly, Daniel Akuffo, recently stopped the construction of a new cement factory along the Shai Hills enclave.
This was because the investor, a Chinese firm, was constructing a factory without a permit.
The project, according to sources, was two months away from completion but it lacked the requisite permit from the District Assembly and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
Also, the enclave, in which the cement factory was being constructed, had tomato and powdered soap factories operating.
Hon. Akuffo said the assembly although was aware the investor had some investments in the district and that there was a proposal to set up a cement factory.
However, “they have not submitted any drawings to the assembly because, we have a special planning committee whose members include officers of the EPA, and other agencies as well as departments serving on the committee. These people are supposed to analyse where buildings should be sited, their impact (environmental impact assessment) so that when investors are permitted, we know that siting their factories will not create any problem. I always say that as a developing district, we appreciate having businesses springing up in the district to boost the local economy but however, the right thing needs to be done to ensure Shai-Osudoku District is well planned and devoid of any negative environmental impact.”
Hon. Akuffo further advised investors that even before they purchase land, they should inform the assembly on the kind of project they intend doing so that they can be advised on whether their location will serve their purpose.
“There are a lot of business prospects here at Shai-Osudoku District – areas reserved for estate development, filling stations, farming/agriculture and areas for residential purpose. We are here to plan the district well and beautifully and it is my hope that someday we will have beautiful places here just like Trasacco Estate, he touted.