The Biakoye District Assembly is to embark on a special campaign to rake in more local revenue to develop the District.
Madam Comfort Atta, the District Chief Executive, told a social auditing forum at Nkonya Ntumda that the District had a history of non-payment of property rates, building permits, and market tolls among other levies, and that the Assembly would activate prosecutorial measures to deal with the growing noncompliance
She said Biakoye’s share of the District Assembly Common Fund was being used to fund activities, which should have been catered for by funds generated internally, and therefore lacked resources to undertake developmental projects.
“The IGF is not coming. Permits are not being paid and the market women are also reluctant to contribute their share of the tolls and levies, therefore the Assembly is not reaping,” she stated.
Madam Atta said the Assembly had a support package for artisans, and was also working to address challenges of infrastructure, furniture, and other challenges facing schools in the District.
She expressed worry over the District missing out on the Community Led Total Sanitation programme, and appealed to all to make the effort to construct household latrines and uphold good sanitation.
The DCE cautioned against illegal logging, and charged community members to be on guard against such activities.
She also advised the youth against the abuse of drugs and premarital sex, saying it affected their career aspirations negatively.
Madam Atta commended NCCE for the social auditing forums, adding that it would help the local governance process, and pledged the Assembly’s support for more of such programmes in District.
Mr Henry Danso, District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) said buildings without permit, as well as those on waterways and other obstructive locations would soon be pulled down and owners prosecuted.
He called on motorbike users to register them and observe traffic rules and regulations to reduce road accidents.
The social auditing forum falls under the second phase of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) Accountability, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ARAP), which is being sponsored by the European Union to enhance citizen participation in the governance process.
Mr Kenneth Kponor, Volta Regional Director, NCCE entreated the people to unite towards realising the development goals of their communities.
GNA
