Rent charges up over 100% at Ave-Dakpa
Rent charges for residential accommodation in Ave-Dakpa, the capital of the infant Akatsi-North District, has shot up to over 100 per cent following the resettlement of people including government’s personnel posted to the district.
Single room, which before attracted between GH¢5.00 and GH¢ 10.00 monthly, is now between GH¢20.00 to GH¢50.00, while a chamber and hall now attract GH¢50.00 to GH¢ 60.00 from the previous GH¢ 15.00.
Mr James Gunu, District Chief Executive (DCE), who gave the figures at a general meeting of the Assembly at the weekend at Ave-Dakpa, said the development was worrying.
He, therefore, appealed to landlords to restrain themselves from “milking” accommodation seekers as the rising rent charges would be a disincentive to attract and retain staff in the district.
“I appeal to Assembly Members to plead with landlords not to increase rent charges during these challenging moments as staff posted here are being discouraged through the high rent demands,” Mr Gunu stated.
He also urged residents of the district to contribute their quota towards the Assembly’s efforts to gain footing and lead the area out of economic deprivation.
Mr Gunu announced a number of measures by the Assembly including the re-evaluation of rateable properties, engagement of commissioned revenue collectors and the forming of a district revenue task force, to improve the collection of Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
Mr Gunu said GH¢13,220.78 IGF, being 81 per cent of the targeted, GH¢16,353.75, was collected within the second quarter (April to June) this year.
He suggested the development of one major market in the district, located close to the Ghana-Togo border to draw businesses from within the district and from Togo and beyond to enhance revenue.
Mr Gunu said temporal residential and office accommodation were being arranged for various departments while the Assembly pursued plans to construct a permanent hall and offices and residential blocks.
He said some feeder roads would soon be renovated by the Assembly in addition to other projects.
Source: GNA