Mr. Charles Evans Apreku, Kwahu North District Chief Executive has noted that the rampant boat disasters recorded in the area, could cost a nose-dive in the thriving tourism industry and other economic ventures.
"Boat disasters in the district create a bad reputation for the district as a tourism destination and place of economic opportunities," he said.
Mr. Apreku made the point while addressing the final session of the District Assembly for the year.
He said 60 people had so far lost their lives this year through boat accidents.
"The incident brings into sharp focus the need for a concerted effort at stemming the tide of boat disasters and confronting head on the needless deaths.experience on our lakes and rivers," he said.
To avert these catastrophes Mr. Apreku said the district had procured two pontoons to be stationed at Adawso and Ekye Amanfrom to ferry commuters to ease their transportation difficulties.
He hinted that the components part of the pontoons had already been shipped into the country whilst the tender processes were on-going to attract the right company to assemble them.
Mr. Apreku said the process would involve the construction of docking ramps and other facilities to ensure effective operation of the pontoons.
He urged assembly members to help the security agencies in educating boat operators on the best practices to avoid the catastrophes that characterise the daily life of the people.
He said two communities in the district, Ekye Amanfrom and Maame Krobe would have a police post to step up security.
He said the project would be sponsored through the district's share of the District Assemblies' Common Fund.
Mr. Apreku said under the Millennium Challenge Account Maame Krobo - Agogo roads would be constructed, describing it as a major breakthrough in the district's quest for development.
"It will be the first time in the history of the district that we can travel. without the medium of a pontoon when the road is completed," he said.
Mr. Apreku said the project would be a great relief to commuters along the northern part of the country.
He said World Vision, an international non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with KOIKA, a Korean funding agency is constructing 11 schools in the district.
The beneficiary communities are Odumase, Asanyasu, Kwasi Fante, Somsei, Amakwaa Tornu, Anidzi, Pesika, Nyakuikope, Tikikope and Donkorkrom EP.
Mr. Apreku said although one school in the district scored zero per cent in this year' Basic Education Certificate Examination, the overall performance was better as compared to last year when three schools recorded zero percent.
He expressed joy that the performance of girls had improved this year, saying the 50.3 per cent recorded last year had shot up by 2.2.
Mr. Apreku said 129 trained teachers have been posted to the district which to him was the highest in the Eastern Region.