1st cassava factory project successfully completed in Region 1

– construction cost at $26M

Constructed at a total cost of $26 million, the first-ever Cassava Processing Factory is now completed, and is expected to significantly benefit the residents of the Kwebanna community, located in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini).
The project, which commenced in December of 2018, was conceptualised with the main goal of providing a string of benefits, with employment opportunities being on top of the list. With the new processing facility now available, residents can now have jobs in either the processing or packaging departments, while farmers will solely take advantage of supplying cassava to the factory so an income can be earned.
The factory is expected to produce its main product of cassava flour, since a recent study conducted by the Kwebanna Farmers’ Cooperative, determined that the production of cassava flour would provide a great source of income for farmers and vendors in the local markets.
In addition to the main product, the facility will also supply cassareep, starch, and other cassava by-products.
A visit to the brand-new building was recently made by Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and a team from the Ministry.
Meanwhile, the Business Ministry as well as the Social Protection Ministry will shortly provide training for persons in the community who are most likely to be employed at the factory.
The Business Ministry is expected to facilitate training in the area of packaging of items while the Social Protection Ministry will facilitate training in the area of processing.
Funds allocated for the project covered the construction of the building, the clearing and preparing of 30 acres of land, and the supply of cassava sticks.