ENVIRONMENT

Assin North Assembly demolishes unauthorised structures
The Assin North Municipal Assembly (ANOMA), on Monday, began a demolition exercise to de-congest the municipality of all unauthorised structures.

Date Created : 3/9/2018 8:30:52 AM : Story Author : GNA


This is to pave way for construction works to begin on the much awaited first-class ring road and drains in the Municipality.

The ring-road would divert traffic flow on the main Cape Coast - Obuasi, Kumasi highway as commuters would no longer go through hours of traffic jam at Fosu to reduce travel hours whilst the drains will help curb the perennial flooding during heavy rains.

Mr Nicholas Fiifi Baako, the Municipal Chief Executive, who supervised the demolition said about 27 unauthorised structures including 15 completed buildings and other buildings, wooden and container kiosks were equally grounded.

He said the Assembly commenced negotiations with stakeholders last year on the urgent need to demolish the structures leading to the payment of more than GH¢70,000 to the 27 affected homeowners among others.

The construction works on the five kilometre ring-road to be carried out by the Universal Construction Company (UCC) will begin from the by-pass at Fosu College of Education (FOSCO), through Stroman School to St.  Andrews Senior High School junction is expected to be completed in 18 months.

He expressed concern about the inadequate access roads within the municipality and said plans were underway for the Assembly and the Department of Urban Roads to construct more access roads to enhance the free flow of traffic to revellers and open the city up to investors.

He, however, warned all prospective homeowners and developers to desist from erecting structures and buildings along the roads, waterways and reserved places without authorisation from the Assembly.

He appealed to traditional and religious leaders to cooperate and support the Assembly in its development efforts by ending the double sale of lands occurrence and the selling of unauthorised places.

The MCE warned owners of unauthorised structures to remove them before the next exercise began.

Madam Comfort Aduwa and Mr Samuel Kye-Boateng, both affected victims who witnessed the demolishing of their homes, said though they were not obviously happy, they were still given enough time to vacate besides the compensation given them.

Mr Emmanuel Annan, another victim, called for the arrest and prosecution of the chief who sold the land to him as well as the Assembly staff who gave him certified documents confirming the land as his bona fide