TEMA ASSEMBLY TO PULL DOWN 600 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES (PAGE 18, MAY 28, 2010)

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly(TMA) has cautioned residents of the metropolis who have built on unaproved locations and flood prone areas to start packing because the Assembly has initiated moves to demolish all structures on watercourses to avert flooding this rainy season.
In line with the intended demolition exercise,the Assembly has earmarked over 600 households whose structures will be demolished.
Areas affected include the Ramser Site,Community 3 Down,Communities 18, 19 and 20, Valco Down at Tema Manhean, Zenu Dam Site and the Chemu lagoon enclave.
A press release from the Public Relations Unit of the TMA did not state when the exercise will commence but warned those living at those areas to start removing their structures to avoid any embarrassment.
The statement said the Ramser Site has 216 households; Chemu lagoon enclave — 150 household; Zenu dam site — 30 households; Valco down – 65 households; Communities 18, 19 and 20 —135 households and Community 3 down – 18 households.
The statement explained that a careful study undertaken by the Assembly revealed that the areas mentioned were natural watercourses and storm drains,and therefore, encroachment of any form impeded the physical structures which tended to divert the flow of water.
It noted that the metropolitan area had over the last three years experienced flooding in settlements along the waterbodies and low lying areas.
The statement said this situation had caused flooding downstream and inconvenienced people living in the vicinity.
The statement said the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Tema had programmed a monthly clean-up exercise to rid the drains of silted materials to ensure the free flow of water during heavy down pour.
It noted that people would be educated and sensitised to prevent erection of illegal structures on watercourses and other unauthorised places.
The release stated that the demolishing exercise backed by Act 462 of the Local Government LI which established the assemblies and empowered it,will improve environmental situation in the metropolis and therefore, called on the public to support it.