The Wenchi Municipal Assembly has outlined some cogent measures and strategies to generate and mobilize revenue in a bid to improve its Internally Generated Fund (IGF) and enable the Assembly execute its developmental agenda as in implementing policies, programmes and infrastructural projects.
Addressing the General Assembly in its 3rd Ordinary meeting of the 2nd Session of the 8th Assembly, the Municipal Chief Executive Alexander Obour Damoah said it was high time the Assembly repositioned itself in revenue generation as the first step to set the pace for development. These include;
Inauguration and training for sub-structures thus Zonal Councils of the Assembly to enable them meaningfully play their roles as enshrined in the LI 1961.
Liase with the Lands Valuation Division of the Lands Commission to value commercial and first-class properties in the municipality to facilitate payment of realistic rates.
Create credible and verifiable data to be updated regularly for effective monitoring and decision making.
Intensify sensitization on payments of taxes and uses of Internally Generated Funds in collaboration with the three local Radio/Fm Stations, Information Centres and other channels
Review the operations of revenue collectors for effective and efficient performance such as postings, training, setting of realistic and achievable targets, awards schemes to motivate hard workers and sanctions to deter corrupt and indiscipline practices.
Pursue defaulters and enforce gazetted fee fixing, by-laws and other regulations.
Intensify effective and periodic supervision of revenue collectors and barriers through Task Force operations.
Intensify collaboration with Trade and Agro Business Associations including Cashew Value Chain, Quarry Operators, Sand Winners, Transport Unions, to maximize revenue generation.
Establish Revenue Management Committee to oversee the implementation of the strategies periodically.
The Municipal Chief Executive called on the Assembly Members, Traditional Authorities, Security Agencies, Media, Civil Society and other major stakeholders to help prosecute the revenue enhancement measures to generate the needed resources for development.
Source: Information Services Department (ISD/WMA)
By: Stanick Sofel Amuzu Kpodo