Generating internal funds has become a source of worry to the Kwabre East District Assembly as they revenue generated annually continue to dwindle.

The Assembly in its 2012 budget estimated an amount of GHs669, 597.60 but just GHs584, 123.00 was salvaged representing 87.2%.

In 2013 however, the estimated amount was GHs 803,774.00 but only a meager GHs332, 706.14 was retrieved as at the October 9, 2013.

Though GHs868, 774.00 has been budgeted for 2014, the proceeds have not been encouraging.

For this reason, the Kwabre East District Assembly has announced a number of measures adopted to address the shortfall in revenue generation in the district.

This was made known by the District Chief Executive of Kwabre East District Assembly, Hon. Adams Iddisa at the first Assembly meeting for the year 2014.

He said management identified some of the problems associated with the shortfall and have since taken measures in addressing them.

Enumerating some of the problems identified, he said the non-availability of a reliable or scientific data of all taxable items and structures in the district was largely contributing to the shortfall and that management has begun a comprehensive data collection and revaluation exercise to know the full details of all items and structures in the district to improve tax generation.

Members therefore agreed that the ongoing exercise should be intensified and completed on time to fast-track decision making in the district, adding that those who will falter in the payment of tax will have to face the full rigorous of the law.

He also added that the assembly has boundary demarcation problems with some neighboring districts and that was adversely affecting tax collection.

He said the Assembly has some boundary demarcation problems with Afigya Kwabre and Kumasi Metropolis.

Inhabitants in such places always claim to pay their taxes to those neighboring districts at the detriment of the Kwabre East district.
He added that management has instructed the Town and Country Planning Department of the Assembly to do a proper demarcation of all the borders of the Assembly to put the matter to rest.

“An effective tax education exercises is also being undertaken periodically to improve tax collection,” he stated.

Members also talked about the rate at which armed robbery has increased in the district and called on the Assembly to assist the district police in reducing the canker in the district.

Members identified the recent power outages as the major cause for the robbery. They therefore suggested that the community voluntary watchdog should be revisited.

Committees such as the works, security, social services, agriculture, sports and tourism all presented their reports and were overwhelmingly agreed upon by the house.

Ghanadistricts.com