Renovation of bungalow not for personal comfort - MCE

Wenchi (BAR), May 11, GNA - Mr Yaw Osei Agyei, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wenchi, said on Monday that the ongoing renovation of his official residence is not for his personal comfort. He said it was in line with keeping state assets and properties in good shape to benefit generations even yet unborn. He said this after conducting Mr Elvis Afrieyie Ankrah, Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development and a group of journalists round the facility, to see the extent of damage caused to the three-bedroom house with boys' quarters at Wenchi.

The Works Department of the Wenchi Municipal Assembly, following a thorough assessment of the extent of deterioration, reviewed the cost of renovating the building to GHc45,000 as against an initial estimate of GHc23,000.

About a fortnight ago, newspaper reports criticised Mr Agyei for deciding to spend such an amount to renovate the building. But Mr Agyei said instead of criticising him for spending that amount on the project, he should rather be commended for taking the bold decision because "the more we continue to delay on putting it back in good shape, the more the cost of renovating it will continue to rise." He said the building was left to deteriorate in 2004 after its last occupant was transferred to head the Tain District, following agitation by residents against her rule in Wenchi.

Apart from the main structure which also needs some repair works, there is virtually nothing including windows, doors, tiling, ceiling, wiring among others on the building. He said since then, it had seen no renovation adding the next Chief Executive who was appointed in 2006 refused to stay in the building because of its deplorable nature and instead operated from a hotel which cost the Municipal Assembly huge sums of money. Mr Agyei said in keeping with modesty, which was the cornerstone of the Mills' administration, he decided to remain in his father's house where he grew up and run the affairs of the Municipality. Mr Afrieyie Ankrah, who was appalled at the deterioration of the building, called on all to uphold the culture of maintenance to preserve national property.

He commended the MCE for taking the bold decision to renovate the state property, saying it could even serve as an alternative lodging place for the President when so decided by National Security, whenever the President was in Wenchi.

Later, Mr Afrieyie Ankrah toured some ongoing projects including a six-unit classroom block with store, library and staff common room for Ayaayo community, six-unit classroom block with kindergarten and library for Subinso Number Two Primary School, and a three-unit classroom block with offices and store for Abotareye community. He also addressed Heads of Department and assembly members of the Municipality at the assembly hall and answered questions on government policies which included health, education, agriculture, roads construction and decentralization, among others.

The Deputy Minister is in the Region for a week's visit to familiarise himself with activities of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA's) and also to inspect ongoing development projects in six selected MMDA's.