Government has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies across the country to liaise with the land valuation division of the lands commission to have properties under their jurisdictions valued to for a more effective and transparent property rating.
According to the Minister for Local Government and Rural development, Hajia Alima Mahama who gave the directive, this would enable the assemblies improve upon their revenue mobilization devoid of confusion among the property rate payers.
Hajia Alima Mahama who was speaking at the inauguration of the 8th Tamale Metropolitan assembly, bemoaned the unplanned and haphazard development ongoing within the various assemblies.
She lamented that, slums are being developed in marshy areas whereas houses are being built on waterways. Such phenomenon she added had serious implications for national development and public safety.
The Local Government Minister urged the assemblies to “ensure compliance with the building rules and regulations on the zoning and development of lands and ensure developments are done according to the approved plans to avoid flooding and accompanying loss of lives and property”.
The Local Government Minister Halia Alima Mahama also reminded the assembly that section 12(3)(f) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) thus empower them to create bye-laws to enforce compliance in sanitation management and environmental health standards.
She also urged the assemblies to explore avenues for the creation of employment opportunities within their jurisdiction for the locals particularly the youth and women.
Source: Edward A. Ken-Zorre | www.diamondfmonline.com | Ghana
