Logo of STMA
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has been able to collect GH¢2,477,557.45 out of the total annual budget of GH¢9,106.981.44 at the end of the first quarter of this year.
This, represent 27.21 % performance and in absolute terms, the figure is higher than the amount generated as at the same period last year which was GH¢2.339.974.00.
From all indications, the prospects for achieving revenue target looks brighter this year according to Mr. Anthony K.K Sam, Chief Executive officer of STMA.
“Meanwhile, we are unable to execute much capital projects from our Internally Generated Funds (IGF), because salaries of staff on IGF are virtually consuming our revenue” he said.
He said management is therefore embarking on redundancy, to lay off staff whose absence will not adversely affect service delivery.
“As indicated during the presentation and approval of the 2018 Fee Fixing Resolution, the assembly was to initiate the collection of conveyance fee from haulage trucks operating within the metropolis. I am happy to announce that after series of discussions and consultations with some transport and logistics companies, collection will soon begin with the assistance of one of our revenue contractors to improve our revenue mobilization efforts” he added.
The MCE was speaking at the first ordinary meeting of the third session of the seventh assembly at Sekondi.
Issues discussed were the creation of the Effia-Kwesiminstim Municipal Assembly, decongestion, roads, projects, waste management among others.
He mentioned that plans are far advanced for the conversion of the Kwame Nkrumah Roundabout in Takoradi into an interchange.
“The road to Shippers Roundabout will be converted to a standard dual carriageway, with a bicycle lane and pedestrian walkway on either side. Similarly, the Cape Coast road will also be dualized for 500 meters from the interchange” he said.
Currently, he indicated that the assembly is taking inventory of all properties that will be affected by the construction.
“The documents of the owners of the properties that will be affected are being vetted to enable us know those due for compensation” he added.
He announced that a number of projects have been earmarked for the twin-city; prominent amongst them is the interchange to be built at the Kwame Nkrumah roundabout.
“Engineers are already on the ground, doing the preliminary works. I wish to caution the citizenry to desist from putting structures along the way, as sooner or later, construction works will begin” he pointed out.
Again, Mr. Sam said two contracts worth GH¢4,063,970.00 have been awarded to Messrs Kingspok Construction Work Limited, for pothole patching, resealing and grading works in both Sekondi and Takoradi during the first quarter.
Grading works, he said will be undertaken metro-wide, where there are major gravel and earth roads. Resealing works will be carried out at Adiembra, Kweikuma, Railway and Port staff quarters in Takoradi.
He said the Urban Roads Department’s direct labour gang also undertook pothole patching in some major roads on the Essipon road, Wiawso road, Electricity to GSTS road, Akroma Plaza road and the Paa Grant roundabout.
“It is also refreshing to note that the Sofokrom Haulage Transport Terminal has finally been completed and the truck drivers have moved to the terminal. The movement of the trucks will facilitate the early completion of the Fijai bypass” the MCE said.
He further stated that the Paa Grant Roundabout to New Takoradi road has finally been paved and opened to traffic. The Urban Roads and Works departments are working on designs and estimates to award contracts for some of the open drains.
He announces that approval has been given by the Railway Ministry for the construction of four-foot bridges, over the railway line at Kojokrom, Nkotompo, Bakaekyir – Adiembra and New Takoradi.
Open government partnership (OGP)
STMA is among 15 cities selected across the globe to participate in the OGP Subnational Pilot Programme which is now called OGP Local Program.
As a result of the excellent work done by these 15 cities, an additional five more cities have been selected to join the OGP Program through a competitive selection process.
Sister city in Kaduna, Nigeria has qualified to join the existing three pioneer cities in Africa, that is Egeyo-Marakwet County (Kenya), Kigoma Municipality (Tanzania) and Sekondi-Takoradi (Ghana).
OGP Focal Person for STMA and representative from the Civil Society Organizations have been selected to participate in the ongoing OGP regional workshop in Kenya with their colleagues from Egeyo-Marakwet County (Kenya), Kigoma Municipality (Tanzania) and Kaduna State (Nigeria).
The objective of the workshop is to promote exchanges, support Action Plan co-creation and discuss the future of OGP in African cities.
The assembly will kick start the co-creation of its 2nd OGP Action Plan from the mid of May to 31st July, 2018 in partnership with civil society organization and the good citizens of Sekondi-Takoradi.
The implementation of the Action Plan will also start from September 2018 to September, 2020 and it is expected that assembly members and the good citizens of the metropolis will actively support the development of the 2nd OGP Action Plan.
