The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has increased the daily market tolls from ?300 to ?500 following the approval of a new Fee Fixing Resolution of the assembly for year 2003.

Market store rentals have also increased slightly by between ?1,000 and ?3,000 depending on the type and make of the store.

A statement released by the Finance Department of the assembly, and signed by Mr Kwasi Agyaako Attuah in Kumasi, said the new rates were fully discussed and endorsed by the assembly at a meeting on February 12, 2003.

The statement said under the new rates, occupants of 1947 open stalls at the central market who were paying a rent of ?8000 per month last year will now pay ?10,000.

Similarly, occupants of "20 stores A Downstairs" at Asafo market would now pay ?18,000 per month instead of ?16,000 paid last year.

The statement said in spite of the huge cost involved in running the metropolis, the assembly deemed it appropriate to effect only marginal increases in its rates and fines so as not to unduly overburden residents.

It therefore, urged traders, hawkers and residents in general to promptly pay the new rates to enable the assembly to generate aenough revenue to cater for the growing infrastructure needs of the city.

"It is a fact that even at the present rate of increases, the new rates and fines are among the lowest in the country despite the status of Kumasi as a metropolitan area," the statement stressed, adding that market porters would also now pay ?500 per day instead of last year’s rate of ?300.

Market tickets for foodstuffs have also been increased across board by ?100. Consequently, one sack of cassava would now attract a market ticket of ?500 while that of beans is now ?700 instead of the ?600 paid last year.

The "House to house" refuse collection charges were also affected by the new Fee Fixing Resolution.

In addition to the monthly payment of ?5,000 for litter bin rentals, first class residential areas would pay ?25,000 per bin per month as refuse collection fees.

Second class residential areas would pay ?20,000 while third class residential areas would pay ?15,000 per bin per month. The statement, however, pointed out that it is not every fee that was increased by the assembly this year.

Lorry park tolls for instance, remained at their last year levels with those of the Kejetia terminal still pegged at ?2,000 and ?3,500 per taxi and mini bus respectively per day.

The tolls for the rest of lorry parks in the city remain ?2,000 for trucks and buses and ?1,000 for taxis as was the case last year.

The statement urged all traders, landlords and business operators and other professional associations who have doubts about the rates and fees they are expected to pay to contact the Finance or Treasury Department of the assembly or its units such as the License Section for further clarification.

It finally warned that the assembly would not countenance any default in the payment of the new rates and anybody or organisation, which fails to settle its indebtedness to the assembly, would be made to face the full rigours of the law