Koforidua: The New Juaben South Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region has expended GHS255,000 to replace copper cables stolen from streetlights in various parts of the municipality, notably along the Koforidua Polytechnic Traffic-Kasadjan Highway. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Ransford Owusu Boakye, shared these details during a town hall meeting in Koforidua, providing updates on ongoing development projects and governance activities within the municipality.
According to Ghana Web, the MCE highlighted that the theft of copper wires from streetlights had left several roads in darkness for a significant period, raising safety and security concerns among residents and motorists. 'Some individuals cut off and removed all the copper wires from the streetlights, which is why the lights were off for a long time. The Assembly spent GHS255,000 to rectify the situation and restore power to the streetlights on the Poly and Kasadjan roads, lighting up the streets once again,' Owusu Boakye stated.
The MCE further revealed that the Assembly requires an additional GHS40,000 to replace control boards stolen from traffic lights by unknown individuals, causing them to malfunction. In a related incident, an electrical transformer that powers the streetlights was vandalised, and cables were stolen.
To combat these issues, the Assembly plans to install surveillance mechanisms, such as CCTV cameras, to monitor streetlights and traffic lights and apprehend perpetrators. 'Very bad, it is very bad. We even intend engaging some consultants. We want to even install CCTV cameras so that in case somebody goes there to steal, because we have the cameras around, they will be captured and then the necessary sanctions are meted to the person,' Boakye added.
During the meeting, the MCE also accounted for ongoing development projects in the municipality. He noted that the construction of a CHPS compound at Agavenya is 70% complete, while a six-unit classroom block at A.M.E. Zion B School in Klu Town has been fully completed. Additionally, the construction of a kindergarten block at Police LA School in Galloway is 80% complete, and the drilling and mechanisation of 12 boreholes across various communities has reached 95% completion.
Other completed projects include the bitumen surfacing of roads at Adweso-Abogiri, Osabene Central, and Bedtime, the redevelopment of the Zongo Market, and the bitumen surfacing of the Saint James-Nyamekrom Road. The Assembly is also undertaking the construction of a CHPS compound at Simpo Amiensa and the drilling and mechanisation of eight additional boreholes.
Ransford Owusu Boakye expressed his appreciation to residents and stakeholders for their support and participation in the municipality's development efforts, assuring them of the Assembly's continued commitment to accountability, efficient service delivery, and inclusive development.