The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis is earmarked for re-engineering since it has completely outgrown the original development plans put in place by the colonialist many years ago.
Some of the buildings are now a nuisance and impede modern development. Spaces reserved for leisure and recreation have been taken over by unplanned developments.
The Mayor for Sekondi-Takoradi, Anthony K.K Sam revealed this when addressing members of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA)
He indicated that the bye laws on street hawking and other commercial activities in the Metropolis would be enforced to bring sanity onto the streets.
He revealed that the Assembly is currently implementing a number of projects with different funding sources notable among them are the construction of a Transport Terminal at Apremdo.
He also mentioned the Youth Development Centre at Sekondi and the Library Complex at Takoradi, the upgrading of infrastructure facilities within the Kokompe Industrial enclave and the construction of Integrated Social Centre at Effiakuma .
Revenue Performance
He told Members of the Assembly that the STMA had set itself a target of GH¢7,975,115.99 for the year 2017.
“I am happy to report that as at the end of the first quarter of the year, we have been able to collect GH¢2,339,974.38 representing 29.34 per cent”, he added.
He continued “With this performance, it is expected that we will meet our target, by the close of the year. That notwithstanding, we need to do more to mobilize enough resources to meet our development agenda”.
Roads
He indicated that the Department of Urban Roads intended to undertake some major projects including re-sealing of selected roads in the Metropolis, rehabilitation of Adiembra – BU road as well as the upgrading of all Secondary Schools roads in the Metropolis.
He also mentioned the upgrading of the link road from Animens Hotel to Adakope, upgrading of East and West Tanokrom Area roads and many more.
Education
He was not happy that in the recently released district league table of the Basic Education Certificate Examination, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis was ranked 184 out of 216 districts in Ghana.
“This ranking is testament to the fact that the Metropolis is not doing well as far as education is concerned because education is one of the key indicators”, he stressed.
He reminded them that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo’s vision of free SHS would be rolled out in September stressing “and we must hold ourselves in readiness for it”.
Sanitation
He bemoaned the heaps of garbage found at various collection points whilst most of the drains are choked with solid waste.
Mr K.K Sam pointed out that some of the waste management companies charged with the collection had not lived up to expectation.
“Consequently, the Assembly has set into motion the process of procuring the services of new Service providers because the contractual agreement between some of the Service Providers and the Assembly has expired”, he revealed.
Water
The Sekondi-Takoradi mayor noted that even though there were no illegal mining activities in the Metropolis, the area’s source of drinking water had been badly polluted by galamsey activities.
He explained that the intake point at the Daboase dam which treats water for the Metropolis is heavily silted as a result of galamsey activities on the Pra river.
“I am therefore leading the good people of Sekondi-Takoradi to support the government’s war on galamsey. We are going to work hard to ensure that our Metropolis is ranked among the best districts in Ghana”, he opined.
Security
Mr Sam mentioned that the security of the Metropolis was of great concern to the Assembly adding that the low number of Police personnel and their lack of equipment was affecting effective night patrols.
The Assembly is making strides with respect to the formation of Watch Committees in collaboration with the police, to help ensure public safety.
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