Piloting of the € 2.5 million EU funded Holistic Reinforcement for Sustainable Development (HORESD) project by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has come to a close.
A conference was held on Monday, 24th June, 2024 at Lancaster Hotel in Kumasi for its official closure.
The chamber of Praia in Cape Verde partnered KMA in the piloting of the project.
Authorities of KMA commenced the implementation of HORESD on 1st January, 2022, ending it on 30th June 2024.
Among the principal objectives were:
- Strengthen Kumasi’s capacity to provide public services, giving priority to an integrated management system of solid urban waste
- Implementation of the participative democracy processes in Kumasi
- Boosting the circular economy in Kumasi, with special emphasis on incorporating disadvantaged people or those at risk of social exclusion.
At the conference, International Project Coordinator, Helder Moreira remarked in his presentation that the piloting by KMA succeeded in achieving to the fullest, all the above highlighted objectives.
On the foremost objective, he said more than € 1.4 million was spent on buying new trucks, new waste containers, fuel, capacity building of technicians and other operational cost.
IMPACT
Mr. Francis Dwira Darko, Metro Coordinating Director for KMA mentioned in his address that through HORESD, comprehensive strategies have been implemented to manage waste within the city of Kumasi.
Among them are the introduction of sort separation, establishment of waste collection system within the CBD, introduction of inter-school sanitation competition.
He added that the project has also built the capacity of local authorities to enhance public service delivery particularly in waste management.
Mr. Darko further said that the project has not only improved waste management in Kumasi but has also strengthened the collaborative spirit among local and international partners.
PARTNERSHIP
President for City County of Praia, Hon. Francisco Carvalho underlined that the partnership between Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and Praia in relation to the execution of the project demonstrates that if the two join forces and work towards a common goal, they can achieve extraordinary results.
Hon. Carvalho remarked that the duo have also shown that “through collaboration they can tackle environmental challenges through innovative means”.
He said the partnership has strengthened not only their institutional capacities but also the bonds of friendship and cooperation among communities.
He thanked EU for the financial support and citizens of Kumasi who actively participated in the execution of the project.
President of Manra H.E Mrs. Paqui Momparier remarked in an interview with newsmen that she is impressed by the delivery of KMA and the magnitude impact gained through the implementation of the project.
She urged the assembly to keep up the good work and invest much in awareness campaign as part of sustainability measures.
CONTINUITY
Addressing the media, the Kumasi City Mayor, Hon. Samuel Payne underscored constant engagement with communities in terms of public sensitization, enforcement of the assembly’s bye-laws on sanitation and generating funds internally as part of the sustainability measures.
On funding, he said that KMA has rolled out a program, targeted at taking sanitation levies from traders and institutions within the metropolis.
“KMA is serious at ensuring that the HORESD project is sustained” Hon. Samuel Pyne said.
Source; www.leakyghana.com
