SEKONDI: The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has unveiled a six-year strategic plan aimed at addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges in the metropolis. The plan, developed in collaboration with the Open Government Support Unit and the Citywide Settlement Upgrading Fund, seeks to tackle disparities in access to clean water and sanitation facilities, primarily benefiting low-income and informal communities. According to Ghana News Agency, the strategic plan was announced by Mr. Abdul-Mumin Issah, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, during the Third Ordinary Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly. The initiative is supported by a grant from the World Bank's OGP Multi-Donor Trust Fund and involves active participation from civil society organizations, traditional authorities, and community leaders. The plan aims to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and implement both top-down and bottom-up approaches to create susta inable and inclusive WASH services. This initiative is part of broader efforts by the Assembly to address fundamental public health and socio-economic development issues in the area. In discussing the financial status of the Assembly, Mr. Issah reported that by the end of September, STMA had collected GHC12,174,404.93, amounting to 62.19 percent of the budgeted GHC19,575,416.70 in Internally Generated Funds. Expenditures included GHC717,872.16 used for compensations, representing 57.57 percent of the budgeted GHC1,247,042.00. Despite revenue generation challenges, Mr. Issah emphasized the Assembly's commitment to improving revenue through a strategic action plan. He also noted that the metropolis enjoys relative peace, with ongoing support for security agencies to maintain stability. On social welfare, between July and September 2024, the Department of Social Welfare registered 3,840 vulnerable individuals in the LEAP programme, aiming to reassess eligibility criteria to improve the program's effectiveness . In preparation for upcoming elections, Mr. Issah assured collaboration with the Electoral Commission, the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council, and the police to ensure peaceful proceedings. Health statistics revealed 18 maternal deaths in the metropolis, with a maternal mortality rate of 246 per 100,000 live births. The Assembly continues to initiate development projects to enhance living standards in Sekondi-Takoradi. Mr. Eugene F. Ofori-Atta, the Presiding Member of the STMA, encouraged Assembly Members to diligently implement policies for community progress.