Sekondi July 18, GNA- The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, has unanimously approved the purchase of heavy duty equipment to facilitate environment and sanitation works. At an emergency session of the assembly in Sekondi, the members said purchase of the equipment, which include bulldozers and motor grader vibratory roller would reduce the high cost in renting the machines.

Mr Kobina Pra Annan, Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) noted at the meeting that the Urban Roads Department is not adequately equipped to assist in the development and cleaning of the city. "Most communities are complaining that there are certain areas we have to clear, construct drains as well as clear heaps of rubbish," he said.

He pointed out that if the equipment are purchased, the assembly will carry out a lot of activities at lesser cost. Mr Annan said: "We will put in place a committee to see to the sustainability of these machines." The MCE said the clearing of the heaps of rubbish and construction of drains and roads would help increase the assembly's internally generated Fund, especially property rate. "We can not increase the property rate when roads and drains leading to certain households are so poor," he said. Mr. Mahmoud Ali, Presiding Member of the assembly told the members that it was important to adopt a modern approach to environmental cleanliness and sanitation.