The Minerals Development Fund (MDF), under the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry, has embarked on some projects in some mining communities in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region to transform the lives of residents.

The projects included a two-bedroom detached nurses’ quarters, community health planning services (CHPS) compound, and a mechanised borehole estimated at 350,000 Ghana cedis in Gyimakrom.

Additionally, the MDF is funding a CHPS compound, nurses’ quarters and a mechanised borehole at Bepo Ehyireso at an estimated cost of 398,000 Ghana cedis.

The two CHPS compounds, upon completion, would serve about 15 communities with an estimated population of 4,000.

The projects were expected to reduce the high maternal and infant mortality rate in the Municipality and ensure quality delivery of healthcare to deprived communities.

Bobkrom, Kofikrom, Adadiekrom, Labikrom, Okyerekojo and Salifukrom are some of the communities that would access health care from the CHPS compounds.

A double culvert was also being constructed along the road to Gyimakrom to facilitate transportation of patients to and from the CHIPS compound.

Dr Norris Hammah, the Acting Administrator of the Fund, who led a team from the MDF Secretariat and Municipal Assembly to inspect the progress of works, lauded the Municipal Chief Executive for the area, Mr Mozart Kwaku Owuh, for ensuring the judicious utilisation of the funds for the intended projects.

He said the MDF was established with proceeds from mineral exploration to support mining communities so that when the mineral resources got exhausted, the communities would have physical infrastructure to show as benefits from the mining activities.

Earlier, the inspection team visited an ongoing three-unit classroom block and ancillary facilities including a library, ICT centre, headmaster’s office and storeroom at Awudua, estimated at 339,920 Ghana cedis.

Mr Mozart Kwaku Owuh, the MCE for Prestea Huni-Valley, said all the contractors working on the projects were asked to pre-finance and later raise certificates for reimbursement.

Mr Michael Osei, The Assistant Works Engineer of the Assembly, said the Architectural Engineering Services were the consultant for the projects and made sure they were constructed to specifications

Source: GNA