The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has acquired 20,000 street lights for distribution and installation across various metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) within the Greater Accra Region.
This initiative aims to enhance both the lighting system and overall security in the region.
Currently, the council is compiling a comprehensive list of all electoral areas within the region.
This information will aid in devising a schedule for contractors to deploy and set up the new street lights.
Henry Quartey, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, announced this development during the annual GARCC meeting.
The meeting was convened in accordance with Section 191(I) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
Quartey outlined the allocation plan for the street lights distribution: the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and Tema Metropolitan Assembly will each receive 600 lights, while various municipalities will receive 400 each. Additionally, district assemblies are set to obtain 300 street lights each.
The meeting convened metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives (MMDCEs) from the region, along with their presiding members.
Discussions revolved around regional development and challenges faced by their respective areas, including sanitation, flooding, traffic congestion, road conditions, and chieftaincy issues.
MMDCEs provided updates to the minister on ongoing projects and their progress within their respective assemblies.
Quartey highlighted the influx of petitions and grievances submitted to his office, which should ideally have been addressed at the assembly level.
He urged MMDCEs to prioritize efficient service delivery, prompt resolution of complaints, and the establishment of effective feedback mechanisms.
This, he emphasized, would build trust and confidence in local governance, leading to better payment compliance with rates and fees.
Quartey also emphasized the importance of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) for capital projects, directing MMDCEs and presiding members to allocate a minimum of 30% of the total IGF for direct community benefit.
He stressed the need for enhanced waste management and environmental sanitation efforts, calling for integration of informal waste collectors through registration and regulation to improve solid waste collection and management.