DEPUTY MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPLAUDS KMA'S WASTE MANAGEMENT EFFORTS

The Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah Esq., has commended the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) for its efforts in managing waste in Kumasi.

The KMA, with funding from the European Union, implemented the Holistic Reinforcement for Sustainable Development (HORESD) Project in January 2022 to address waste generation challenges in Kumasi.

The30-month project, which ended in June 2024, has evidently promoted sustainable development and environmental cleanliness in Kumasi.

Hon.Vincent Assafuah, also the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, made the observation during his official visit to the KMA on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

This was his maiden official visit to a District Assembly since his appointment as Deputy Minister for MLGDRD.

He stated that his visit aimed to gather firsthand information about happenings in District Assemblies, contribute meaningfully to resource allocation, share knowledge, and help to address challenges confronting the Ministry.

The Deputy Minister commended the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Samuel Pyne, for his leadership and ambition to build two recycling plants in Kumasi.

Mayor Pyne had earlier mentioned that the assembly planned to build two recycling plants to turn waste into an income-generating venture, adding value to the colossal volumes of waste generated in Kumasi.

He also highlighted the assembly's efforts in providing infrastructure, education, support for the vulnerable, security, and more under his leadership.

He also mentioned the assembly's collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies to support youth in fighting climate change.

Mayor Pyne noted that, 14 groups had been selected out of 34 applicants to access the Youth Climate Action Microgrant, with certificates and cheques to be presented to beneficiaries on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

He also updated the Deputy Minister on the progress of phase two of the Kumasi Central Market and the redevelopment of Krofrom Market, stating that, efforts were underway to complete the projects to ease congestion in Kejetia and other parts of the central business district of Kumasi.

"Our major challenge as Assembly is the congestion situation in CBD of Kumasi,but when phase two of Kejetia Market and Krofrom Market are fully functional, congestion challenge would be reduced", he assured the Deputy Minister.

Heads of departments and units thanked the Deputy Minister for his visit but appealed to his office to reconsider the Ministry's resource allocation mode to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

They expressed concerns that KMA often stands disadvantaged when resources and supports from the central government are shared equally without considering the size and population of the Metropolis.

After meeting with KMA management, Hon. Assafuah was taken on a tour of the waste management department and the abandoned administration block.

He commended the Mayor and staff for their tireless efforts to develop Kumasi, assuring them that their concerns were noted and would be discussed with the Ministry for positive results.