MMDCEs urged to ensure efficient implementation of development plan
The caretaker Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ms. Hanny-Sherry Ayittey, has appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMCEs) to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the Western Region Spatial Development Framework (WRSDF).
She appealed to the MMCES in the Western Region to ensure that permits issued for development conforms to the guidelines of the framework.
Ms. Ayittey was speaking at the official launch of the WRSDF in Takoradi on Tuesday.
She said the framework would streamline and harmonise land use in the Region for the next 20 years and provide a platform for integrating social, economic, infrastructure and environmental development.
The WRSDF was jointly prepared by the Regional Coordinating Council, Town and Country Planning Department, COWI and funded by the Norwegian Development Agency after extensive consultation with all the relevant stakeholders in the Region.
She said the decentralization policy allows for MMCEs to take important decisions at the local level therefore their involvement in implementation of the WRSDF is crucial.
Ms. Ayittey said successful implementation of the framework would boost revenue mobilization of the assemblies and enhance development.
The oil industry in the region has increased the demand for land and worsened the pressure on the existing infrastructure hence the development of the framework to streamline proper utilization of land in the Region.
Ms. Ayittey said WRSDF is a right direction towards industrialisation through the designation of selected areas within the Region as growth catchment areas with key service centres.
These centres are to serve as intervening opportunities for district capitals, urban service and rural service centres, which currently have difficulties accessing the regional capital.
She cited Dubai which had become an aviation service centre for many airlines around the world saying “Takoradi or Tarkwa can become a service centre for ICT, cocoa or oil as one step towards industrialization and reduce unemployment”.
Mr. Prince Anokyi, the Consultant for the project, took participants through the framework adding that the WRSDF would ensure judicious use of resources and enhance socio-economic development of the Region.
The Western Region Chief Director, Mr. David Yaro, said the Region is endowed with numerous natural resources which had attracted many people from all walks of life therefore the framework would streamline land utilization and prevent growth of urban-slums.
He appealed to the assemblies to reduce bureaucratic tendencies that hinder investment opportunities and urged prospective investors to contact the various assemblies for relevant information to avoid being swindled by fraudsters.
Source: GNA