Computerised ZIP code street address system to be used

Amasaman (Greater Accra) -- Houses in the North Legon Residential Area are to be re-numbered soon using the Computerised ZIP Code Street Address system, Mr S N A Attoh, Ga District Chief Executive told the GNA at the Weekend.

He said new House Number plates had been printed for the phased project estimated at 14 Billion Cedis to cover the whole district being implemented by ASI ZIPCODE System Limited. This makes the Ga District Assembly (GDA) one of the first to adopt the system in the country.

Mr Attoh said out of the amount the Assembly was to spend one billion cedis to solicit support from organisations, which would benefit such as the courier services and utility companies. "The support had not been forthcoming but the Assembly is going ahead with the project all the same because of its benefits," the DCE said.

According to him the system would ensure the realignment of the mail system, create postal zones, enhance street orientation into geographical areas such as North West and South East and the facilitate the provision of street signs.

It would also help in the computerisation of landed property tax registries to enable the Assembly to bill, mail and collect taxes cost effectively and more efficiently. The DCE said the ZIP Code Street Address system could be applied in issuance of Identity Cards (ID) including Driving License and the development HIV/AIDS, poverty alleviation surveillance and reporting and other social interventions.

It made for the easy location of residents, businesses, Service-providers and was of great benefit to ambulances, fire trucks and taxis while it would also promote tourism and the hospitality industries, Mr Attoh added. The DCE said the project would enable the Assembly to easily identify unauthorised structures and facilitate both physical and social planning of the District.

He said GDA was working round the clock to make Area, Town and Urban Councils operational, adding that, Weija, Achimota, Pokuase, Kotoku, Ofankor and Mayera had been provided offices, furniture, equipment and staff.

Seven Senior Secondary School students had benefited from the Educational Fund this year, he said adding that, the Assembly would place special emphasis on Vocational Training.

Mr Attoh said the Assembly in conjunction with Action Aid, an NGO, had embarked on an 800 million-cedi Computer Training Centre. The NGO would give 14 computers and build the facility on land provided by the GDA for the start of the project.

The DCE said the construction of a Police Station at Amasaman would be completed in two months and expressed the hope that security in the area would improve when it was opened.