Regional News of Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Source: GNA

Oguaa Assembly to get tough with unruly residents

Cape Coast, Oct 21, GNA - The Metropolitan Chief Executive for Cape Coast, Mr. Anthony Egyir Aikins, has warned that his administration would not tolerate indiscipline on the roads, destruction of public property, littering and building without permit.

"The impunity with which all these are carried out, including the wanton erection of telecommunication masts in our communities, leaves much to be desired," he stressed, noting the situation was retarding the progress of the Metropolis.

Mr. Egyir Aikins, who was addressing a press conference in Cape Coast to outline measures to facilitate the development of the area, said those who indulge in such acts would now face the full rigors of the law. "I believe strongly that it is only the people of Cape Coast that can develop the Metropolitan area, the government can only help by way of facilitating the process but how and what we want Cape Coast to be like rest with us," he said.

He announced that the assembly would focus on Education, Sanitation, Business, Tourism, and other social services and Called for the total commitment of residents to transform the ancient city into a modern one, befitting its status as the first seat of government. On Education, he said, the assembly was strategizing to help improve performance at the basic school level because the current general performance at the BECE was not encouraging.

It would also collaborate with the Zoomlion Company to clear the beaches and also rid the metro of filth to improve sanitation. Additionally, he said, land banks would soon be created to attract investors to boost businesses and create job avenues for the people in addition to promotion of cultural tourism.

Mr Egyir Aikins said the relocation of the artisans at Siwidu to Mepeasem, on the outskirts of Cape Coast, to pave way for the development of the Fosu Lagoon area into a tourist site would be done soon. The Kotokoruba Market will also be given a facelift. To achieve these goals, the assembly would foster collaboration with other stakeholders that share its aspirations and are ready to assist in the development of the area.

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the Cape Coast Polytechnic will be consulted, accordingly, he said. He urged the members of all political parties to consider the development of the area as paramount, bury their differences and unite for the total transformation of Cape Coast.