The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has held its first ordinary meeting of the second session of the ninth Assembly in Sekondi, with the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Fredrick Faustinus Faidoo, addressing key developmental and security issues facing the metropolis.

In his address, Hon. Faidoo urged Assembly Members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their electoral areas to help safeguard the metropolis. He highlighted that the Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC) had implemented strategies aimed at curbing security disturbances, but emphasized that the success of these strategies would depend largely on the active support of Assembly Members.

Touching on urban lighting, the MCE stressed the importance of maintaining and expanding streetlight coverage in the metropolis. "Beyond enhancing nightlife in the Oil City, street lighting is central to promoting security," he noted. He revealed that discussions were far advanced with selected corporate bodies to adopt the provision and maintenance of streetlights as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Hon. Faidoo expressed optimism that with stakeholder support, Sekondi-Takoradi could become one of the cleanest cities in the country. He called for improved efficiency in managing both solid and liquid waste, especially with the onset of the rainy season. He noted that with the onset of the rainy season and the potential threat of a cholera outbreak, the Assembly, through its Waste Management Department, is actively preparing communal container sites across the metropolis to support efficient waste evacuation. He expressed optimism that longstanding refuse dumps in communities such as Kansaworado, Mpintsin, Kweikuma, and Sofokrom, among others, would be cleared to allow for the resumption of proper sanitary practices. This, he emphasized, is vital to promoting improved sanitation across the affected areas.

He hinted that in the quest for achieving an improved metropolis, processes had been initiated to procure sanitation tools to aid communal clean-ups to ensure that all communities in the Metropolis is rid-off filth. He again revealed that desilting activities were ongoing to ensure that the city records minimal to zero flooding situations as the rains begin.

On infrastructure development, Hon. Faidoo announced the upcoming commencement of the Sekondi-Takoradi Resilient Project at Bakado in Sekondi. The project is expected to provide a lasting solution to flooding through improved drainage systems, road enhancements, and nature-based interventions like tree planting and urban gardening. It will also include the construction of five reservoirs to manage excess water and upgrade drainage at the Sekondi Market.

He further advised the executives of the Association to encourage their members to registered with the Assembly, adding that the revenue they pay would cushion the Assembly to also provide certain amenities to make their work easier.

Hon. Faidoo assured them that all concerns raised would be considered by the Assembly’s management with the goal of creating a conducive environment for the butchers to operate effectively.