CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF FUNDING OF INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS IN AFIGYA KWABRE DISTRICT; PERSPECTIVE OF CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND STAKEHOLDERS

ABSTRACT 

The aim of the study was to examine constraints to funding of infrastructure projects in Afigya Kwabre District and make recommendations on funding of infrastructural projects   in the district. The study adopted descriptive research design. Quantitative research approach was used. The population of the study comprised Assembly members in all the electoral areas, Members of Parliament (MPs) Heads of key Departments of the Assembly and Revenue Collectors in the various area councils of the Afigya Kwabre District Assembly. The population size for the target population as explained was 60. census sampling technique   was used to select all the 60 respondents for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to analyse data. The study results concluded that the key sources of funding of Assembly Projects in Afigya Kwabre District were funds from donor partners to finance projects, funds from the district assembly common fund, funds from property rate taxing, funds from market tolls, fees, fines, grants and rents, fees from license and permit for undertaking activities, public private partnerships, community initiatives, funds from sale of district assembly assets, Sale of community assets, and rent of district assembly assets. The challenges to funding of projects in Afigya Kwabre District were inadequate fund allocation to the district assembly (ranked 1st), delays in disbursement of the fund is a challenge (ranked 2nd), abuse of power by Parliament in the approval and disbursement of the fund (ranked 3rd), inflation (ranked 4th), political interference and lack of proper database on infrastructure projects (ranked 5th). The study recommended that the Government should encourage MMDAs to tender proposals for funds allocations in order to ensure adequate funds to finance projects.