KMA secures $4.2m World Bank grant

By:  Issah Alhassan

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has received a grant of $4.2 million from the World Bank towards the execution of developmental projects in the metropolis.

The assembly has also been named as one of four beneficiary cities to access a 40 million Euro concessionary loan from the French government, under the Ghana Urban Management Pilot Programme (GUMPP).

While the assembly received the World Bank grant as a result of effective internal revenue generation, effective waste management, and compliance with procurement laws, the latter loan was secured as a result of the assembly’s outstanding performance on the local government front.

The spokesperson for the Mayor of Kumasi, Mr. Clement Kegeri, who disclosed this at a news briefing last week, noted that the assembly was expected to use the funds to embark on lots of developmental projects, including the constructions of markets, improvement of drainage systems, and upgrading of road networks in the metropolis.

Mr. Kegeri emphasised that the performance of the KMA had received commendation from both local and international agencies, stressing that the assembly was selected as the best well managed metropolis in the country by the world economic body and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

“In view of the excellent performance of KMA, the World Bank is awarding a grant of $4.2 million under its Urban Development Grant Package; it is important to note that some of the criteria used in the selection process include effective waste management, performance of assembly staff, compliance with procurement amongst others,” he noted.

Mr. Kegeri, therefore, stated that the assembly would undertake the redevelopment of markets such as the ones at Atonsu, Asawase and Old Tafo to improve internal trading, upgrade the waste disposal site at Oti, construct 12 kilometres of storm drain, and also upgrade 6 kilometres of roads in the metropolis.

 

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