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As part of its mandate to promote and implement government policies at the local level, deliver quality public services, improve social inclusion and respond to the needs of the communities, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly organized a one day community engagement at Atasemanso in the Nhyiaeso sub-metro.
The engagement was spearheaded by KMA with support from Nhyiaeso sub-metro authorities
Present at the meeting were the Metropolitan Chief Executive Hon Samuel pyne , the Municipal Coordinating Director, various Heads of Departments, Members of the Assembly and Unit Committee Members.
Participants from various associations including Transport Unions, traders Association, traditional leaders,Landlords Association were present.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive in his opening remarks commended the role that stakeholders have played since the inception of the Assembly which has positioned the Assembly in providing effective and efficient service delivery in the Metropolis .
Mr Samuel Payne, the Mayor of Kumasi, who led the sensitisation programme explained that the exercise aims at sensitising and educating the public on the need to honour their tax obligations towards development in their localities.
According to him, most of the public have challenges as to what their taxes or revenues are being used for, hence the need to engage the public to explain to them.
Hon Samuel pyne said the Assembly was determined to always ensure an improved sanitation in the metropolis and that they are partnering the European Union and the Government of Spain in acquiring eight trucks for sanitation purposes for which drivers, inspectors and separators of solid and other waste have been employed to help sanitize the environment of the metropolis.
The participants at the public engagement
He indicated that through revenue mobilisation the Assembly was able to build a classroom block,Toilet facilities providing of furnitures and drilled boreholes.
Mayor outlined the various developmental projects (both ongoing and completed) that the Assembly had carried out.
He mentioned that in spite of these accomplishments, there was still more work to be done within the Metropolis and called on the stakeholders to work hand in hand with the Assembly for the accomplishment of these projects. This they can do by the prompt payment of taxes and levies to contribute to the internally Generated Fund(IGF) since it is one of the major sources of revenue for the Assembly.
The KMA Engineer stressed the need for members of the public to get permits for new buildings.
Madam Marina Kusi, the Kumasi Metro Director of GEA stated that the Business-In-A Box (BIZ BOX) project is aimed at empowering the youth in skills development for a better and brighter future.The Metro Director also assured that the Agency would ensure that one has access to Start-up Kits, Institutional strengthening, Policy and Regulatory support.
Among the concerns raised by the participants include, the nature of road network, poor drainage systems, the ongoing market at Atasemanso,
sanitation, indiscriminate parking of some vehicles by the roadside, choked drains and broken slabs on gutters.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive in his closing remarks assured members that the concerns will be addressed by the Assembly. He further advised them that the development of our communities should not only be the preserve of the Central Government and Municipal Assemblies but we can also contribute individually in our little ways by keeping our environments clean as propagated by the Assembly.
On their part, traditional authorities and residents who attended program speaking media commended Metropolitan chief executive and Assembly staff for education.
