Obuasi (Ash), Feb 5, GNA - The Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA) has budgeted GH¢220,000 this year to embark on three major building projects in the municipality.

The projects are a block of offices for the National Health Insurance Scheme, an office complex for the Ghana Education Service (GES) and a High Court building complex.

These were contained in the assembly's 2008 annual estimates which the assembly members approved after two days of intensive deliberations. The assembly has budgeted GH¢305,000 to service on-going projects and programmes. They included the completion of Horsey Park block 'B' and 'C' stores, completion of mortuary at the Obuasi Government Hospital, the rehabilitation of five defective public septic tanks latrines, rehabilitation of two labourers' quarters, the rehabilitation of Municipal Assembly's quarters and the Bogobri primary school block. Other programmes which the budget would take care of are subscription of Internet services, mock examinations for basic schools, support to Ghana School Feeding Programme, teachers' award day and award to eight best BECE schools in the municipality.

In all, the assembly will spend GH¢1 million from its estimated share of the District Assemblies' Common Fund (DACF) to service mandatory provisions, on-going projects and the three new buildings. Under the mineral royalties revenue, the assembly had budgeted GH¢40,000 to service its scholarship scheme, while GH¢80,000 would be used to construct fence walls at the Christ the King Catholic High School as well as the Obuasi Senior High and Technical Schools. The assembly will provide toilet facilities at Mampamhwe, Ntonsua and Adaase communities, using estimated HIPC relief fund of GH¢60,000. Mr Joe Boampong, the Municipal Chief Executive, explained that the chunk of the assembly's funds would go into completion of on-going projects.