Residents of Kwebana, Moruca, in Region One are now the proud beneficiaries of a newly-built Cassava Processing Factory.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release, the factory – a $26 million investment by the government – will produce cassava flour as the main product as well as supply casareep, starch and other cassava by-products.
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and a team from the ministry recently took a tour of the facility.
The decision to have the factory built came on the heels of a study conducted by the Kwebana Farmers’ Cooperative where it was determined that the production of cassava flour would provide a great source of income for farmers and vendors in the local markets. Subsequently 30 acres of land was cleared and prepared and cassava sticks were purchased for planting.
With the establishment of this new facility, more residents will gain access to employment opportunities, while cassava farmers will have the advantage of being the suppliers of the factory.
In addition, persons working in the factory will be specially trained by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Board of Industrial Training, which will provide training in processing and the Ministry of Business will provide training in packaging, the release added.
