Shai-Osudoku District Assembly makes strides

By: Benjamin Xornam Glover, DODOWA

The Shai-Osudoku District Assembly in the Greater Accra Region has for the fourth time since 2011 qualified for the Functional Organizational Assessment Tool (FOAT), the District Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel A. O. Lartey has disclosed. He said the Assembly qualified in 2011, 2012, and 2013 however the assembly is yet to receive the allocated funds for the three consecutive years. Mr Lartey explained that the delay in the release of the funds has affected the execution of development projects in the area. “We assume that much of the left uncompleted in the respective electoral areas will see remarkable levels of improvements” he said Mr Lartey was addressing assembly members, heads of departments and units at the 2nd Ordinary Meeting of the Assembly at the Guggisberg Memorial Hall at Dodowa. FOAT is a donor fund comprising the District Development Facility (DDF) and Urban Development Grant (UDG) for the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to undertake investments and capacity building projects. The DDF is meant for all the MMDAs while the UDG is for the Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs) alone. Finances The DCE said the delay in the release of funds notwithstanding, the assembly has made strides with its revenue generation efforts adding that the Assembly was able to mobilize GH¢ 843,999.00 as Internally Generated Fund (IGF) as at June 2014 out of GH¢1, 517,600. 00 projected for the year 2014. He hinted that the amount was an improvement in collection compared to GH¢522,987.19 collected the same period last year. Mr Lartey attributed the improvement in the revenue collection to stringent measures introduced at quarries. He said to the Assembly will improve on its monitoring and supervision of the collectors and not hesitate to deal with any revenue collector who engages in unacceptable behavior at any revenue collection point. The DCE said due to inconsistent trickling in of funds from the Central government, the Executive Committee has recommended that a minimum of 15 percent of IGF is set aside to fund infrastructural projects in the district.

Development projects Mr Lartey enumerated a number of development projects embarked on by the assembly to improve on living standards in the district. He said in collaboration with the District Health Directorate they have upgraded the CHIPS Compound at Agomeda to the status of health centre, while constructions works is ongoing for four additional CHIPS compound at Tokpo, Kadjanya, Sota and Ayikuma communities respectively. Mr Lartey said the Assembly was undertaking a street lighting project from Lanor Junction to Osuwem adding that same facility will be extended to the Asutsuare committee to enhance security. He said the Assembly further disbursed GH¢ 14,000.00 as financial support to organize holiday classes for 157 girls in JHS Two with the view of preparing them for their final examinations at the Basic Education Certificate level. In addition, he said the Assembly released an amount of GH¢6,000.00 to the Education Directorate to support the Regional Science Technology and Mathematics Education. He explained that these initiatives were aimed at improving the quality of education in the District.

Agriculture He disclosed that the Assembly in its efforts to achieve food sufficiency and security has assisted in streamlining the leadership of the Osudoku Cooperative Framers Association to assist the farmers effectively utilize the irrigation facility in the area and help increase their yields. This he said will lead to jobs for the youth and ultimately reduce the poverty levels in the district through the cultivation of rice. Mr Lartey also announced that the Assembly was going to provide accommodation for teachers to curb teacher absenteeism and lateness to school. The DCE gave assurance of the assembly’s preparedness to put the district on a higher pedestal. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to members for their invaluable roles they have been playing within their various electoral areas and communities and commended the departments and units’ heads for their dedicated services. Presiding Member The Presiding Member, Mr Emmanuel Adjartey said he was pleased with the harmonious relationship among assembly members, which, he stressed, was a necessary tonic for accelerated growth. He lauded the Assembly for implementing the street naming project and the mounting of signages on the various streets in the district capital. -End- Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh