Tema task force gets tough with unauthorised structures

Tema, (Greater Accra) 1 March, '99 --

The Tema development control task force Saturday halted unauthorised business activities along the ceremonial roads in the city with a surprise demolition of kiosks and stalls. The exercise, which is being carried out jointly by the Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA) and the Tema Development Corporation (TDC), will last for six months. Affected residents however saw the exercise as a misplaced priority in view of the neglected collapsed sewage systems, choked gutters and delayed payments for constructional works done. Mr Mark Ofori Kwafo, Municipal development control officer said there are too many "unsightly structures along the ceremonial street which must be demolished before they become permanent ones". Lotto kiosks were left untouched but dilapidated ones and those, which have not seen any painting for years, fell to the hammer of the demolition squad. Alhaji Sule Bonge who rears goats and sheep in his house located in the city centre, at the displeasure of his neighbours, was compelled to hide his animals in his bedroom when he heard of the task force. His pen was destroyed and was given 30 minutes to move the animals out of town or face prosecution. Mr Samuel Akoto, Tema municipal engineer, said the exercise would cover the entire municipality and also affect structures sited on public lands. He cited the case of a man who has ignored all warnings and has built his house on a land earmarked for a clinic at Baatsonaa on the Spintex road and said the culprit will be dealt with at the appropriate time.