Accra (Greater Accra) 24 June '99

Mr Victor Okuley Nortey, NPP-Ablekuma Central, on Wednesday appealed to the government and the Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA) to take immediate steps to address the drainage and sanitary needs of his constituency to prevent an out break of an epidemic.

The member who was making his maiden statement after his induction into the House last month, said with the coming of the rains in earnest, the people stand the risk of being displaced by floods if drains are not provided immediately.

''I am appealing to the authorities of the AMA to step up efforts in constructing drains for the people of the area before things get out of hand.''

Mr Nortey said the assembly should provide the area with garbage containers as a matter of urgency to stop people from throwing rubbish into drains to compound the drainage problem.

Mr Nortey further appealed to the AMA to assist the women in the constituency with loans from the poverty alleviation fund to enable them expand their petty trading to improve on the quality of life in the area.

Aside of this, he said traders especially spare parts dealers mostly found in his constituency, have complained about high import duty in addition to VAT on their products.

To this end, he appealed to the Ministry of Finance to review the taxes to make their items more affordable to transport owners to reduce accidents on our roads.

Mr Nortey noted that the numerous armed robberies, murders and other criminal activities in the area would be reduced if the Electricity Company of Ghana provided streetlights.

The member took the opportunity to express appreciation to all those, who helped him to win the by-election.

''I thank all honourable members of both sides of the house, and your Speakership Sir, for the warm welcome accorded me during my induction into office.''