Madina Assembly Demolishes Structures on Waterways to Prevent Flooding

Structures built on waterways in Pantang Village were demolished by the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly on Monday. This action is intended to prevent a recurrence of the severe flooding that submerged homes and disrupted economic activities on June 7.

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This is exactly what happened on June 7, which left the area flooded and disrupted the economic activities of residents who were not responsible for the situation.

The demolition targeted an uncompleted church building and a fence wall after their owners failed to comply with removal notices. The assembly had already deployed equipment to clear weeds and illegal structures that were choking a major drain in the wetland area. The flooding also affected traders at the nearby Abokobi Market in the Ga East Municipality.

Alhaji Ibrahim Fuseni Faila, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), warned developers against encroaching on waterways, stating that wetlands are reserved for specific purposes and serve as natural reservoirs. He explained that these areas absorb excess water from the mountains, and any construction on them poses a significant flood risk.

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Wetlands were reserved for specific purposes and stressed that any structure put up on such lands would be demolished.

The MCE noted that individuals often build on these lands without permits, sometimes doing so during weekends or at night to avoid detection. To combat this, the assembly has implemented measures such as weekend and night patrols. Plans are also underway to expand the wetlands to enhance their water absorption capacity, especially as floods continue to impact the Greater Accra Region. Offenders who disregard building regulations will face sanctions, including being surcharged for the cost of demolition.

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The MCE added that the exercise would be extended to other communities, including Oyarifa and its environs.