KMA to pull down unapproved storey buildings – Mayor

As part of measures to protect residents of the Ashanti Regional capital from being victims of disasters especially collapsing buildings, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has hinted of plans to embark on a massive demolition exercise on the Subin River and other suburbs.

Mr Osei Assibey Antwi, the Mayor of the assembly who gave the hint on Kumasi-based Nhyira FM bemoaned the fact that some buildings put up within the central business area have become death traps for both owners and occupants.

On Wednesday 25th October, 2017, the assembly pulled down a three-story building in the central business district after it nearly collapsed.

The building was said to have posed as a major threat to commuters and occupants as it kept sinking by the minute.

Though most officials have applauded the bold decision by the mayor, some residents of Kumasi are accusing the assembly for neglecting its duties leading to the erection of unapproved and weak structures.

According to Mr Assibey, a committee has been set to look at how the whole thing certain structures have been erected and if they have the requisite documentation.

“We don’t want anybody to live in Kumasi with fear, so we are going to make a structural Integrity Test on the rest of the buildings along the banks of the Subin River. That would help us take good decisions”. He indicated

When asked whether the said collapsed building had a permit, the Mayor could not affirm or deny.

“I have not seen any permit on that particular building. As we speak now there is nothing of that sort. But maybe the owner can produce his permit” he explained.