The Dutch government in collaboration with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), a civil society organisation, have initiated a programme to facilitate the development of industrialization zones in nine district capitals in Brong Ahafo region.

It would in addition, create and improve access of entrepreneurs to energy for productive use to enhance private sector development.

Miss Natalia Bonney, an official of GTZ speaking to the GNA said the beneficiary towns are Sunyani, Techiman, Bechem, Goaso, Kenyasi, Kintampo, Atebubu, Berekum and Wenchi.

She said they were chosen based on the commitment of their assemblies and potentials for economic growth.

Miss Bonney said under the programme, 1,800 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) had been targeted to have access to energy to increase production.

They included 800 new SMEs, 400 new allied SMEs and 600 existing SMEs.

Miss Bonney said Volta River Authority (VRA) was the main pivot around which the programme revolved but the current energy crises had deprived them of financial assistance.

She said GTZ had contacted Ministry of Energy for financial support for the provision of 40 per cent of hardware for the electrification of the industrial zones.

Miss Bonney noted that the programme would facilitate dialogue between the assemblies and local entrepreneurs in planning, design implementation, operation and maintenance of the zones.

"It would also supervise the development and implementation of the programme in close cooperation with partner organizations and institutions," she added.

Source: GNA