By Emmanuel Gamson, GNA
Effiakuma (W/R), June 03, GNA — Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has cautioned estate developers against building on waterways, low-lying areas, and other unauthorised places in the region.
According to him, authorities would not hesitate to demolish such structures to mitigate flood and its associated disasters in the region.
He gave the caution when the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) organised a town hall meeting, at Effiakuma, to account to the people on programmes and activities executed within the past year.
The meeting, led by Mr Abdul-Majeed Dokurgu, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), was attended by traditional and religious leaders, heads of departments, and some residents among other stakeholders.
Mr Nelson said some communities had already experienced issues of flooding after heavy downpours, noting that they would take firm actions to protect lives and properties from further destruction by flooding.
He said: “As citizens, we must understand that building on waterways and ramsar sites are prohibited by law, and so even if assemblies do not check these things and they get to my attention, I will make sure every structure built on unauthorised places are immediately demolished.
“Business as usual will not be countenanced any longer, so we must do what is right to prevent possible floods as we enter the peak rainy season.”
Mr Nelson asked traditional leaders to support the government’s efforts in ensuring that developers adhered to the rules to help protect communities from destruction caused by flooding.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson
[email protected]