Ga South Municipality improves on revenue generation

Accra, 30 March, GNA - Ga South Municipal Assembly bagged GHc656,731.06 out of the estimated revenue of GHc1,067,647 in 2009, representing 61.5 per cent of the total budget.

The assembly has projected enhanced revenue this year, due to what it termed the pragmatic measures put in place, which include a completed data on all properties and businesses in the municipality, revaluation of properties and revision of fees.

Mr Ebenezer Nii Armah Tachie, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) made this known during an interaction with Mr Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, who was on an official tour of the area on Monday.

He said with the support of the Ministry of Communication, the assembly had constructed an Information, Communication and Technology Centre at Amasama valued at GHc220, 000.00.

The MCE said the late release of the municipality's share of the District Assemblies' Common Fund, was a setback to the assembly. He said roads especially feeder roads in the area were in deplorable state especially during the rainy season, adding: "The state of Achimota-Ofankor highway has affected businesses along the corridor." "It is worthy to note that the 21 km Awoshie-Pokuase road would be awarded very soon. It is also important to mention that an Urban Development Component has been incorporated into the construction of the road. "This includes construction and rehabilitation of markets, schools, transport, terminals, health centres, drainage facilities and provision of water in deprived communities within the corridor." Mr Tachie said boundary demarcation between the municipality and Ga East had been a big issue leading to frequent clashes between revenue collectors.

He said the assembly was also putting in measures to improve on the security situation to create the enabling condition for development. Mr Tachie said apart from the flash points of Ayikai Doblo, Nsakia and Amamole the area was relatively calm. He noted that water problem is always a problem, explaining that 82 communities rely on boreholes, 19 on hand dug wells and five on surface water treatment and the rest on tanker supply. The MCE also expressed concern about waste management, which he said was a huge problem. He also touched on high rate of encroachment on open spaces and areas marked for public facilities. Mr Ankrah entreated the assembly to endeavour to promote peace and security in the district, as the surest way to create the needed atmosphere to promote wealth creation. The Deputy Minister also visited Ga South Municipality where Mr Sheriff Nii Otto Doodo, Municipal Chief Executive also complained about bad roads in the area.