The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has given house owners in the metropolis a four-month ultimatum to paint their buildings or face prosecution.

"By the end of June, this year, all buildings in the metropolis must be painted, failure to do so will attract punitive measures at the law courts," Mrs. Patricia Appiagyei, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), said on Monday when addressing the first ordinary meeting of the assembly at the Prempeh Assembly Hall, here.

The MCE explained that the directive is a by-law which enjoins house owners to paint their buildings every two years and "we are obliged to enforce it to the letter."

Ms. Appiagyei also hinted that after the March 6, celebration, the assembly would vigorously embark on a decongestions exercise under which all unauthorised structures in the metropolis will be demolished with the aim of improving upon the sanitation situation in the metropolis.

Concerned about the recent rampage of armed robberies, mobile telephone and car snatching, the KMA boss said the assembly had collaborated effectively with the security agencies to curb the menace.

She also expressed concern about the assembly’s revenue mobilisation and stressed the need for the setting up of new mechanisms and effective monitoring systems to improve upon it.

On waste management, Ms. Appiagyei was of the view that it could be better, if the by-laws on sanitation were enforced.

She announced that the assembly had secured ¢10.8 billion from the government for the rehabilitation of the Asafo Market and gave the assurance that the Asafo Interchange Project would be completed by June, this year.

The assembly has adjourned discussion of the address to Thursday.