The Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly has identified and marked several buildings for demolition as a critical step in its flood prevention strategy.
The structures are located illegally along the banks of the Aboabo storm drain, a waterway known for overflowing during heavy rains, causing significant property damage and posing a threat to lives.
The Assembly has issued a final warning to property owners who have built on waterways and restricted zones, stating that it will strictly enforce the law.
The demolition will affect all structures within the legally mandated buffer zone – specifically, those within 50 to 100 meters of the storm drainage.
Additionally, any buildings constructed on wetlands will also be removed. The Assembly is anticipating demolishing dozens of structures.
Many of the buildings have already been marked for demolition for some time, but previous attempts were hindered by a lack of political will. This time, the Assembly says it is committed to leaving no stone unturned in its effort to resolve the chronic flooding in the area.
For the new structures that are currently springing up, the Assembly has issued an ultimatum to their owners to cease construction or face immediate action.
“We have given them the opportunity to do the demolition themselves within one week. Failure to comply will result in the municipality demolishing the structure and surcharging the owners for the full cost.
This action is part of a broader effort to confront the indiscipline that has plagued our physical planning department. We are committed to restoring sanity, order, and strict adherence to regulations in all urban development matters,” Municipal Chief Executive, Ben Abdallah Alhassan stated.
Beyond demolition, the long-term solutions the Assembly intends to adopt will be the expansion of the drainage to prevent flooding in the area.
