By Philip Tengzu
Wa (U/W), June 2, GNA – Mr Peter Lanchene Toobu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa West Constituency, has assured victims of the recent demolition exercise at Poyentanga of measures to support their resettlement and restore their livelihoods.
He acknowledged the concerns of the affected residents, stating: “They have a case and need to be supported. The Assembly, the traditional authorities and I have resolved to support them.”
The assurance follows concerns raised by affected residents in an open letter to the MP, in which they lamented the lack of support two weeks after their homes and businesses were demolished to pave way for the construction of a 24-Hour Economy Market.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa, Mr Toobu said a meeting held at the weekend with the affected residents, traditional authorities and the District Assembly reached a consensus on practical interventions to support the victims.
He said traders whose shops were affected would be given priority in the allocation of stores upon completion of the market project.
For households whose homes were demolished, Mr Toobu indicated that traditional authorities had agreed to provide land for their resettlement.
He added that he would support the affected families with building materials and other assistance to facilitate the reconstruction of their homes.
Mr Toobu further disclosed that a borehole would be constructed at the new settlement site and electricity extended to improve living conditions for the displaced families.
He also noted that the contractor had expressed readiness to assist in the resettlement process, including the supply of sand for construction.
The intervention follows threats by the victims to pursue legal action and other lawful means to protect their rights and welfare if authorities failed to provide compensation and resettlement support.
In the open letter signed by representatives of the victims, Mr Dominic Misitey and Mr George Kancheon, the residents expressed frustration over what they described as the silence of authorities after the demolition exercise.
The 24-Hour Economy Market programme is a local government initiative aimed at promoting economic development in the area.
The demolition exercise displaced about 14 households and affected several vulnerable persons, including women, children and the elderly.
According to the victims, the absence of immediate support had left many families struggling to secure accommodation and meet basic needs while attempting to rebuild their lives.
“Families who once had shelter now struggle daily to survive. Some households are living under difficult conditions, relying on relatives and goodwill while trying to rebuild lives that were suddenly disrupted,” portions of the letter stated.
They rejected claims that they had encroached on public land, arguing that many households had occupied the area for nearly three decades.
The victims further noted that the situation had resulted in financial hardship, emotional distress, disruption of livelihoods and school dropouts among some affected children.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Writer: Philip Tengzu
Email: [email protected]