STMA exceeds 2016 revenue target

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly had by the end September, this year, collected an amount GH¢6.004, 780.39 in revenue representing 97.67 per cent as against GH¢6,146,522 estimated for the year 2016.

Ms. Charlotte Otuwa Odoom, Metropolitan Chief Executive, said the figure showed a remarkable improvement by the assembly in internally generated funds.

Ms Odoom, who announced this during the Third Ordinary Meeting of the First Session of the Seventh Assembly in Sekondi on Wednesday, said the assembly was committed to using the funds and sources of funding for development projects within the oil city.

She said, so far, eight new projects were underway through the support of the GETFUND, while Urban Development Grants, Ghana Urban Management Projects and the Common Fund had contributed significantly to infrastructure development in the Metropolis.

The MCE said plans were advanced in partnering a management company to run the Whindo Abattoir while work on the Apremdo terminal continued to progress steadily.

The Urban Roads Department, she said, had put their equipment in good shape and started marking zebra crossing lines to promote good pedestrians and vehicle relationship.

The MCE could however not speak on the performance of WASSCE and BECE situation in the metropolis due to the fact that the results were yet to be analyzed.

Ms. Odoom said, so far, 1,492 farmers and individuals had been registered onto the e-agriculture platform for information and knowledge sharing.

She mentioned that collaboration with external partners, including REBOOT International and the Smarter Cities Challenge, was aimed at improving local governance and revenue generation.

Ms Odoom said the take-over of the Assakae Market, relocation of coconut seller from the central business district, sanctions on open defecation and new fees for 2017 were other initiatives begun by the assembly.

Mr. Yusif Gyamson, Presiding Member of the Assembly, encouraged members of the assembly to always avail themselves of all discussions aimed at making the city a better place.

All the five Members of Parliament, however, failed to attend the third ordinary meeting.

Source: GNA