By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Mpatado (WR), Sept. 25, GNA – The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) has demolished structures constructed on a land belonging to the Mpatado Model School, as part of measures to protect public lands and enforce planning regulations in the Municipality.
The demolition followed concerns over the encroachment of private developments on land designated for educational purposes, with the Assembly warning developers against undertaking construction works without the requisite permits.
Mr Majeed Dokurgu, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the Assembly would sanction the development of structures on school lands and urged residents to desist from engaging in unauthorised construction.
He expressed concern about what he described as growing indiscipline among developers, particularly in the Assakae, whindo, Effia among other areas, saying the trend could undermine planned development and deprive communities of land reserved for public infrastructure.
Mr Dokurgu explained that the building permit process was important because it enabled the Assembly to assess proposed developments, guide developers on appropriate land use and ensure that construction conformed to approved planning schemes.
He said developers who had commenced construction without the necessary approvals should approach the Assembly to regularise their documents, warning that structures that contravened planning regulations could be demolished.
“Get the necessary permit before you build. The law permits us to stop developments that do not meet the requirements,” he said.
The MCE also urged prospective developers to engage qualified architects to prepare their building plans and to consult the Assembly before commencing construction.
He called for closer collaboration between the Assembly, traditional authorities, landowners and other stakeholders to prevent indiscriminate development and protect lands reserved for roads, schools and other public facilities.
Mr Dokurgu cautioned that unchecked development could create serious challenges for the Municipality in the future, particularly in accessing land for roads and other essential infrastructure.
“A time will come when we may not have a road to travel through,” he cautioned.
He further dismissed claims that the Assembly had granted approval for the structures demolished on the Mpatado Model School land.
He stated that the Assembly would not issue a permit for private development on land specifically reserved for educational purposes.
Mr Dokurgu therefore advised residents to verify the status and approved use of land with the Assembly before purchasing or developing it, to avoid losing their investments through enforcement actions.
He said the Assembly would continue to enforce planning and development regulations to promote orderly growth and safeguard public lands for their intended purposes.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Christabel Addo
Mildred Siabi-Mensah