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Enhancing Development Control and Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Review of Municipal Efforts

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Introduction:
Development control plays a crucial role in shaping urban landscapes and ensuring sustainable growth within municipalities. In this article, we provide an insightful overview of recent development control activities and infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the La Municipality, highlighting the commitment to fostering orderly development and improving public services.

Development Control Activities:
Over the review period, the La Municipality diligently conducted development control activities to enforce regulatory standards and address unauthorized construction. Notably, thirty-eight developers received warning letters for non-compliance, while eleven were brought before the La Magistrate court for building without permits. This proactive approach underscores the municipality’s dedication to upholding building regulations and safeguarding community interests, particularly in areas like East La.

Furthermore, in response to encroachments along Laboma Beach, the municipality, in collaboration with High Court officials, issued injunction notices to halt ongoing developments. Despite warnings and legal mandates outlined in the Local Governance Act 2016 and Building Regulations 2022, some developers persisted in their activities, necessitating decisive action to preserve public spaces and uphold regulatory frameworks.

In addition, a coordinated operation involving the National Security and Ghana Police Service successfully addressed issues of street vending and unauthorized activities within the Airport enclave. This joint effort has resulted in improved urban aesthetics and enhanced pedestrian mobility, contributing to a safer and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

Infrastructure Initiatives:
In parallel with development control activities, the La Municipality has embarked on various infrastructure projects to meet the growing needs of its populace. Notably, the rebranding of the LaDMA directional sign into a three-dimensional (3D) structure signifies a commitment to modernizing urban signage and enhancing wayfinding for residents and visitors.

Moreover, ongoing development projects within the municipality, including educational and administrative facilities, demonstrate a concerted effort to improve service delivery and community infrastructure. Of particular significance is the construction of the La General Hospital, a 164-bed healthcare facility funded by the Government of Ghana and overseen by Messrs Polychanga Overseas Engineering Company Limited. A recent site meeting involving key stakeholders underscored progress on this vital project, reflecting collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare access and delivery within the municipality.

 

NO.

 

NAME OF PROJECT

 

LOCATION

LEVEL OF IMPLEMENTATION

 

%

 

1

Const. of 3-storey 18-unit Classroom block with ancillary facilities

La Wireless Cluster of Schools

 

Gable level

 

73%

 

2

Const. of 3-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities

 

La Salem JHS

Completed and commissioned in October

In use

 

3

Rehab. of 3-unit classroom block with office and staff common room

South La Estate JHS

Completed and commissioned in October

In use

 

4

 

Const. of Staff Canteen

 

LaDMA Office

Completed

6-tables 12-benches supplied

 

100%

 

5

 

Const. of stores/cold room/data office

 

LaDMA Office

 

Finishing

 

98%

 

6

Rehab. of 2-storey 3-unit classroom block

La St. Mauris A&B JHS

Painting works commences

Fence wall plastered

 

80%

 

7

Rehab. of African Unity Primary School

Maale Dada

Roofing members in position

 

38%

 

8

Rehab. of Junior High School with Library

 

Maale Dada

Substructure works for the library

Structural works ongoing for the main building

 

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the La Municipality’s proactive approach to development control and infrastructure development reflects a commitment to sustainable urban management and community welfare. By enforcing regulatory standards, addressing unauthorized construction, and investing in critical infrastructure projects, the municipality aims to create a conducive environment for economic growth and social well-being. Moving forward, continued collaboration between government agencies, stakeholders, and the community will be essential to realizing the municipality’s vision for inclusive and resilient urban development.

LA DADE-KOTOPON MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY ADVOCATES FOR REVENUE PAYMENT TO BOOST DEVELOPMENT

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The Information Services Department (ISD) of La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has heightened efforts to sensitize the public on the importance of fulfilling their tax obligations. The move came as the government reverted the collection of property rates to the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

The ISD office emphasizes residents’ need to honor their property rates and other bills, emphasizing that the assembly would not tolerate any defaulters. It reiterated the assembly’s commitment to implementing approved programs and projects for the municipality’s development.

The collection of the bills, according to the ISD office, is mandated by the bylaws under the local government act, granting the municipal assembly authority to set fees for properties, businesses, and locations based on the assembly’s fee-fixing resolution.

Highlighting the utilization of these funds, the office outlined various development projects such as road construction, school buildings, streetlights, drainage systems, skill training, sanitation, and security, all aimed at benefiting the general public. It warned that any obstruction or interference with the authorized personnel conducting duties on behalf of the assembly would lead to arrest and prosecution.

The public was urged to settle all bills at the assembly’s pay points and cooperate with bill collectors to contribute to the municipality’s transformation.

LA: REVENUE COLLECTORS URGED TO PRIORITIZE ASSEMBLY’S INTEREST- SUWAIBA ABUBAKAR

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Madam Suwaiba Abubakar, Head of Revenue Operation

Madam Suwaiba Abubakar, Head of Revenue Operations for La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly has expressed the need for revenue collectors to prioritize and promote collection of revenue in delivering of service to the Assembly. This she said is to ensure massive improvement in the collection of revenue to exceed targets. Madam Suwaiba Abubakar said this when she met with the Assembly revenue collectors.

 She indicated that, the dominant factors affecting local revenue collection includes; failure to notify people on time for their dues, failure to carryout proper feasibility study, poor planning and poor assessment of tax which adversely affects the volume of revenue to be collected. She continued that delayed distribution of bills to ratepayers denies the Assembly the opportunity to expand its development agenda.

She added that to ensure massive improvement in revenue collection and realisation of the Assembly medium-term fiscal policy and development objectives, revenue collectors must improve relationship between the Assembly and the ratepayers, sensitization of the public to comply on payment of revenue. She asked the revenue collectors to try as much as possible to educate the ratepayers on the relevance of paying revenue.

Madam Suwaiba Abubakar urged the revenue collectors to put in place a team to ensure regular enforcement of revenue collection and effective monitoring systems, which are crucial issue for the Assembly policy makers. She further reiterated that she would not tolerate incompetence amongst the task force and that all should join hands to help exceed the target.

LaDMA WILL IMPROVE ON POOR TRACKING OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES-MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICER, MADAM HICKMATU ABDULAI

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The Finance Officer of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) Madam Hickmatu Abdulai has urged ratepayers in the Municipality to honour their tax obligations to aid the Assembly improve on its revenue collection for the upcoming years.

Madam Hickmatu Abdulai made this call when the Assembly revenue task force close down a number of businesses that have flouted their tax compliance after a number of notices.

According to her, the Business Operating Permit is established by the Assembly byelaw. She said the byelaw is made in the exercise of the powers conferred on the Municipal Assembly by section 79 of the Local Government Act 1993 (Act 462). ‘No person shall carry on any business in or upon any premises within the area of Authority of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) without a business permit duly granted by the Assembly’.

She continued that; a fee is charged in line with the nature of business for every business permit granted in accordance with the Assembly’s fee fixing resolution. Madam Hickmatu Abdulai mentioned that the Assembly might withdraw or revoke any business permit granted if any condition for granting of the permit is breached.

On closing down the business, she said the Assembly may close down business or suspend its activities until the permit fee is fully paid for the operation of the business.

Madam Hickmatu Abdulai held that any person who fails to pay his or her business permit at the prescribed time shall pay the outstanding fees plus interest at the current bank rate with effect from the day of default up to and including the day of the final payment of the fees. She said, person(s) who contravenes any provision of the BOP byelaws commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine or in default to a term of imprisonment or both.

Madam Hickmatu Abdulai held that the objective for the formation of the revenue task force was to seek to strengthen revenue administration, help combat abuses and corruption, and increase the fiscal space for public investment and social spending which is urgently needed to improve tax compliance.

She mentioned that, for the Assembly to finance any critical economic and social development within the Municipality, there is the need for stakeholders to honour their taxes. She further on indicated that the defaulters would be impeached.

Madam Hickmatu Abdulai mentioned that, lack of revenue enforcement, delay distribution of bills, accountability, basis of revenue payment, businesses unwillingness’ to pay the correct amount and poor tracking of economic activities identified as some of the challenges hostile against the Assembly’s revenue performance and assure that the Assembly would do well to address the issue to exceed their revenue target.

LA DADE-KOTOPON MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY (LaDMA) TAKES STEPS TO PROSECUTE RATE DEFAULTERS.

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The Municipal Finance Officer of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, Madam Hickmatu Abdulai has advised ratepayers in the Municipality to honour their outstanding amount overdue to avoid prosecution when she met with some of the business executive operating in the municipality at the Assembly Hall.

Madam Hickmatu Abdulai who made the call said, the Assembly’s problems in recouping outstanding rates were very serious and would get worse if immediate action was not taken to address.

She mentioned that, once the problems that are militating against the Assembly’s revenue target are identified, there is the need to make moves to collect them. She continued that if the Assembly fails to prosecute defaulters, payment by ratepayers would get worse and this will delay the Assembly programmes and activities.  

According to Madam Hickmatu Abdulai, prior to the Task Force enforcement, the Assembly had given notice of the exercise using a combination of Latenu Radio Station and the Assembly public education Mobile Van to create awareness for days across the electoral areas in the Municipality.

Madam Abubakar Suwaiba, the leader of the Revenue Task Force urged all stakeholders in the municipality to cooperate with the Assembly Revenue Task Force for peaceful and cordial settlement of their amount overdue.

 Mr Daniel Nkrumah, the Municipal Coordinating Director mentioned that, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly would do well to check on businesses and property owners who have not been captured into the Assembly’s revenue data as reform to widen the revenue network.

He said businesses operating in the Municipality that have failed to honour their bills would be prosecuted.

The Assembly since September this year has stepped up its operations to meet its revenue target   for 2023.

Meanwhile, some businesses operators mentioned that they, have not received their bills for the past years and that has delayed their payment. They urged the Assembly to monitor the bills distribution mechanism to ensure that bills are distributed on schedule to avoid late payment of rates.

Some of the business operators also mentioned that the Assembly revenue collectors refused to accept part payment of the bills and wondered whether they had received a requisite training on revenue mobilisation.

A Journey to Empowerment: LEAP Funds Bring Hope To The Municipality

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In the vibrant month of August 2023, a significant event unfolded at the heart of the Municipality. This was no ordinary day; it was the eagerly awaited disbursement of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) funds, a beacon of hope for vulnerable households striving for a brighter future.

As the sun painted the sky with hues of gold, beneficiaries of the LEAP program gathered with anticipation at the Access Bank Cantonment Branch. The air buzzed with excitement, echoing the shared sentiment of empowerment and positive change. The LEAP initiative, a testament to the government’s dedication to poverty alleviation, was about to make a tangible impact on the lives of those who needed it most.

Access Bank Cantonment Branch stood as a symbolic hub of empowerment—a place where financial inclusion met community-centric values. The bank’s welcoming atmosphere provided more than just a transactional space; it became a stage for transformation, where individuals could access not only funds but the promise of a more secure and hopeful future.

Amidst the familiar hum of banking activities, LEAP beneficiaries stepped into the branch, each with a unique story and a shared aspiration for progress. The funds they received weren’t just numbers on a balance sheet; they represented an opportunity to break free from the chains of poverty, to enhance access to education and healthcare, and to build a foundation for sustained well-being.

As LEAP beneficiaries left the Access Bank Cantonment Branch, the impact extended beyond the walls of the banking hall. Their stories intertwined, forming a narrative of resilience, community support, and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.

The August LEAP disbursement was not merely a financial transaction; it was a collective journey toward empowerment. The funds received were more than currency—they were a promise of hope, a catalyst for positive change, and a testament to the power of community collaboration. Looking ahead, the LEAP program, in partnership with Access Bank, continues to script stories of empowerment. It’s a story where every individual, armed with the support of their community and the LEAP initiative, can script their narrative of resilience, growth, and a future filled with promise. In the Municipality, the journey to empowerment is not just a single event; it’s an ongoing saga of transformation, and each disbursement is a chapter in a narrative of hope.

LADMA INTENSITTIES REVENUE MOBILIZATION

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In September 2022, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) took a significant step towards improving its revenue collection by setting up a revenue operations team (ROT). This team was specifically tasked with intensifying revenue collection efforts and ensuring that the assembly was able to generate the funds it needed to provide essential services to the people of the municipality.

Revenue collection is a critical aspect of any local government’s operations, as it is the primary source of funding for the provision of basic services such as health care, education, sanitation, and infrastructure development. However, in many cases, revenue collection can be a challenge, particularly in areas where there is a significant informal sector or a high level of non-compliance with tax and fee payment requirements.

To address this challenge, the LaDMA set up the ROT to ensure that revenue collection efforts were intensified and streamlined. The ROT was made up of a team of experts who were trained in revenue mobilization and collection strategies. They were tasked with developing and implementing innovative revenue collection strategies that would help the assembly generate the funds it needed to provide essential services to the people of the municipality.

The ROT focused on a range of revenue streams, including property rates, business operating permits, market tolls, and other fees and charges. They used a variety of methods to encourage compliance with payment requirements, including education and awareness campaigns, streamlined payment procedures, and enforcement measures where necessary.

The results of the ROT’s efforts were impressive. In just a few short months, the assembly was able to significantly increase its revenue collection and generate the funds it needed to provide essential services to the people of the municipality. This was a significant achievement, and it demonstrated the LaDMA’s commitment to ensuring that it was able to meet the needs of its residents.

Overall, the establishment of the ROT was a positive step for the LaDMA, and it showed that with the right strategies and resources in place, local governments can significantly improve their revenue collection efforts. This, in turn, can help them provide essential services to their residents and contribute to the overall development of their communities.

LaDMA TO PROSECUTE BILL DEFAULTERS

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The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has embarked on a massive revenue mobilization and collection drive to amass all unpaid bills due the assembly by property owners and business operators in the municipality.

The Municipal Coordinating Director for the assembly said the exercise is to ensure that the assembly meet its revenue target for the year 2022.

The MCD mentioned that the assembly has embarked on a number of developmental programmes and projects. The projects and the programmes he said cut across a number of government leading programmes and social interventions, like skill training and empowerment of small business, distribution of school furniture, construction of drains and school building in the municipality.

 The MCD stated that the enforcement of the revenue collection was because some ratepayers has not made their payment within the stipulated time. He mentioned that after several follow-ups, individuals and institutions are unwilling to pay.

According to the MCD, notice has been given with a focus on reminding the payer(s) of the past due date of collection and clarifying the implications of actions that will be taken if payment is not made within a specified interval. He said issuance of final demand notice to defaulters has been made and believe the time has come for the assembly to take the necessary action.

The Municipal Coordinating Director believed the assembly has reposition itself by tackling the loopholes opposing Internally Generated Funds (IGF) by implementing a number of policies that includes the prosecution of bill defaulters, regular interaction with ratepayers and operationalization of revenue task force.

He said, by the Local Government byelaw, a person who contravenes any provision of the BOP and Property byelaws commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine or in default to a term of imprisonment or both.

The Municipal Coordinating Director grieve for the challenges militating against the assembly notwithstanding the massive stride made by the assembly, and called on all property owners and business operators and stakeholder to help address them to build a well-structured human race for the generation to come.

LaDMA ASSEMBLY MEMBERS SCHOOLED ON NEW PROPERTY RATE REFORMS.

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INSET: The MCE, Rev Solomon, left, The PM, Hon. Emmanuel Nyarko, middle and the MCD, Mr Daniel Nkrumah with the Hon. Assembly members at the assembly hall, LaDMA.

The Municipal Chief Executive for La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) Rev Solomon Kotey Nikoi has educated Assembly Members on the new property rate reforms policy in the country, which seeks to address loopholes in property rate collections and rake in more revenue to the assemblies.

He made these known to the assembly members during the second Ordinary Assembly sitting held on Tuesday, September 1, 2022 at the assembly hall, La.

The MCE mentioned that the new policy is aimed at improving the country’s revenue mobilisation and collection efforts to turn around the economic fortunes of the country.

According to the MCE, the government has indicated it’s intention to implement a common platform for property rate administration in the country. He said, the broader property rate reforms aimed at implementing revenue mobilisation to address current challenges militating against property rate administration in the country.

Conferring to the assembly members, the MCE stated that government through the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) would assist the MMDAs to implement a common platform for property rate administration to enhance property rate collection and its accountability.

The MCE mentioned to the assembly members that, property rates has the potential to increase revenue mobilisation for the assemblies with high potential to boost provision of basic infrastructure to meet the needs of the communities.

On the property rate assessment and collection, the MCE bemoaned the major barriers against the assembly since its creation in 2012.

LA-GREATER ACCRA, LaDMA EMBARKS ON REVENUE MOBILISATION EXERCISE

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The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) in the greater Accra Region has intensified revenue mobilisation exercise to retrieve all debts owed to the assembly.At present, a lot of property owners and business operators in the municipality owes the assembly. The move by the assembly comes on the back of non-payment of debts by stakeholders.

Member of the revenue mobilisation task force lead by Mr Daniel Nkrumah, the coordinating director of the assembly visited number of households, institutions, and markets to collect the debts.Responding to stakeholders, Mr Daniel Nkrumah said the exercise was to ensure that the assembly collects all its debts. He said property owners and business operators who would default payment of their debts would be arrested and prosecuted.

Mr Daniel Nkrumah urged all stakeholders in the municipality to pay their debts to avoid prosecution.