By Emmanuella Owusu
Adjei Kojo, June 10, GNA – The Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA) has intensified its
regulatory oversight on property development and environmental sanitation as part of a
strategic effort to mitigate perennial flooding and ensure sustainable urban growth.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a town hall meeting, Mr Ben Debrah, Engineer and Head of Works for the TWMA, emphasised the critical necessity for developers to adhere to established building and zoning regulations.
“We are educating the people on the need for them to obtain building permits, which requires the submission of necessary documents, designs, and geotech reports, depending on the structure being proposed,” Mr Debrah stated.
The assembly warned that structures built without proper authorisation or those situated on designated road reservations pose significant risks to the municipality’s utility infrastructure.
According to him, road reservations were strictly designated for utility services, including electricity and telecommunications; therefore, any temporary structures, such as shipping containers, must first undergo a rigorous inspection process to ensure safety and compliance with assembly bylaws.
The head of works further highlighted the urgent need for property owners to adopt climate-resilient practices.
He urged developers to incorporate at least 20 per cent greening within their compounds to allow for water infiltration, noting that the excessive paving and concreting of surfaces have exacerbated flooding issues in many local enclaves.
“By providing some amount of retention area within your compound, we can together mitigate flooding and create safer, more sustainable communities,” he added.
Mr Debrah stated that the assembly maintains strict compliance with these regulations, including professional supervision during construction and the eventual issuance of a certificate of habitation, which was essential for fostering an orderly and sanitary environment in Tema West.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Emmanuella Owusu, GNA