From Alfred Adams.
The AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has cut the sod to commence the construction of houses and social infrastructure for the relocation of residents of Mankessim community near its Ajopa operations, in the region.
The resettlement project is made up of 70 housing units, each with a toilet facility. Other amenities include, potable water and electricity, and are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2014. In his address during the sod-cutting, Nana Kwabena Fosu, Tufuhene of the Apinto Stool, acknowledged the goodwill of the Iduapriem Mine to improve upon the livelihoods of the people of the Mankessim community by putting up modern buildings to accommodate them.
According to him, he hoped the building designs on paper would be translated into a well improved and habitable infrastructure that will benefit the people. Mr. K. Thompson, Municipal Coordinating Director of the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly, said that the government appreciated the contributions of mining companies to the economy, and also infrastructure development that brings improvements to the wellbeing of citizens, especially those living in mining areas.
He called for peaceful co-existence between mining companies and their host communities. Mr. Addo Kufuor, Vice President for Corporate Affairs of AngloGold Ashanti, Ghana, reiterated the challenges mining companies were going through because of the global low price of gold. “In the light of these challenges, AngloGold Ashanti remains committed to its responsibilities, and will endeavour to deliver on them,” he added.
Mr. Sicelo Ntuli, Managing Director of the Iduapriem Mine, assured the people of the company’s commitment to deliver a world class resettlement site and on time, to relieve them of some of the difficult situations they find themselves in. Nana Kwasi Boah, Odikro of the Mankessim community, thanked the company for the prompt action in constructing the resettlement site for his people.