Techiman North DCE Completes NDC Projects Amidst Huge Legacy Debt
The District Chief Executive of Techiman North has disclosed that he has succeeded to overcome the challenge to complete most uncompleted infrastructural projects abandoned by the previous NDC administration which became a huge burden on the Assembly when he took over about three years ago
Hon. Peter Mensah who claims his administration inherited a huge debt of 3.5 million Ghana Cedis (35 billion old Cedis) owed contractors who executed the uncompleted projects has been able to strike a compromise deal with the debtors and can now concentrate on fulfilling the development agenda of the the district.
He made the revelation when he featured on the Election 2020 political programme on Wontumi TV/Radio in Kumasi on Monday. The programme was hosted by Oheneba Nana Asiedu.
“The fact is because we did not want any dispute over our inability to make prompt payments of the contractors huge debts, we initiated a plan for delayed repayment through an amicable engagement. Fortunately cool heads prevailed so there was a clear understanding of our repayment plan out of their compromised position.” He noted.
According to Hon. Mensah, the compromise arrived at gave him a peace of mind which enabled him to have an unhindered take -off when he took over almost years ago.
“The acceptance of the debts rescheduling proposal I made and my decision to continue with the uncompleted projects fenced off any plans by the opposition to thwart my efforts through unwarranted mischief or the use of propaganda.”
Hon. Mensah also attributed the unhindered process of development in the area since took over to the existing peace.
“A few years back, my area used to be a flash point especially, when it comes to elections related activities but fortunately, the violence has become a thing of the past.” He acknowledged.
The DCE commended the security agencies, Nananom and other stakeholders who have all joined forces with his administration to consolidate the existing peace.
“During the voters registration exercise, there wasn’t a single reported case of electoral violence. Not one single incident of disturbances was recorded. This is because DISEC held series of stakeholder engagements before the exercise and things worked to perfection.” He disclosed.
Hon. Mensah was also grateful to the Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu, who made a personal intervention in resolving a long standing chieftaincy dispute in the area.
He said funding of state projects has been a challenge because of the District’s limited source of revenue.
“We depend on especially on internally generated funds (IGF), the MPs Common Fund and the One Million per district allocation. However we have been able to meet the government’s expectations and we need to be recommended.” He explained.
Hon. Mensah continued that unfortunately for the district during its creation in 2012, the main market which is the gold mine in the Techiman area was carved out to be made part of the Techiman Municipality, “yet through hard work we are currently counted among the rural districts which have had its fair share of the siting of projects.” The DCE noted