Ashaiman, Aug. 25, GNA - Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman, has pledged that he would not shirk his responsibility in ensuring the development of Ashiaman. Mr Agbesi made the pledge at a meeting organised by the Association of Middle East Residents, at Middle East, a suburb of Ashaiman, during the weekend.

Members deliberated on problems facing the area like encroachment, sanitation and the poor drainage system as well as finding solutions to them. The MP assured the people of Middle East of his commitment to development the area.

On the issue of encroachments, Mr Agbesi assured the people that he would continue serving their interests and assured the residents that the area earmarked for the recreational park would be used for that purpose, despite the encroachment on some parts of the land. The MP said the Tema Development Company's (TDC) has a plan for the park, and so does not see the reason why it's being encroached upon by prospective developers.

Mr Agbesi urged the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly to endeavour to enforce its bye laws, in an attempt to clamp down on all unlawful encroachments, which is rampant in some parts of the Municipality. Numo Adinortey Addison, Municipal Chief Executive for Ashaiman, assured the people that the Assembly would assist them tackle the problems in the area as well as the development of the Municipality. He pledged the Assembly's determination to co-operate with people in the Municipality, and urged them to come up with suggestions and ideas that would help move the area forward.

The MCE assured the residents of Middle East that the court complex project, planned for the area, would be cited at a location, which would be in the interest of the majority of the people.

Mr Isaac Lamptey, Municipal Engineer, said the Assembly would soon renew notices to encroachers to remove all unauthorized structures, and warned that their refusal to comply would result in the enforcement of the law.

Captain James Owusu-Koranteng, Interim Chairman of the Middle East Residents Association, said residents in the area are law-abiding, which has ensured peace in the community.

"We are not going to fight authority, but rather, work closely and harmoniously with it," Capt Owusu-Koranteng assured the MP. Mrs Nancy Dogbey, Executive Member of the Association, asked members to take keen interest in its activities to enable it to grow and serve the interest of the community.

During an open forum, some residents expressed concern about the poor drainage and sanitation situation in the area, and appealed to the Municipal Assembly to come to the aid of the people in finding lasting solutions to it.