Residents of Antem in the Cape Coast Metropolis have expressed anger over the failure of the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly to demolish structures built on waterways, which they say are causing repeated flooding that has forced the closure of Antem Basic School.
The concerned citizens, led by their chairman Iddrisu Haruna, are calling out two structures in particular: a building under construction by a private developer who filled a wetland area near the school with sea defence boulders, and a wall erected by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) around its Metro Office, which they say has worsened drainage in the area.
The residents say the Metropolitan Assembly, under Mayor George Justice Arthur, has failed to act despite a directive issued by Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah during a visit to the community last year, following building collapses that claimed lives in the metropolis. At the time, the Minister toured flood-prone areas and ordered the Assembly to demolish the private developer’s structure.
“We have told authorities about the situation, and they have been telling us for the past two years that the structures will be demolished, but up till now nothing has been done,” Iddrisu Haruna said.
They are also accusing the Assembly of compounding the problem by leasing a portion of the wetland to the NHIA for its Metro Office, with the subsequent wall construction further obstructing natural drainage.
The Magajia for the Central Region and other flood victims who spoke to Adom News described the hardship they endure whenever it rains, with homes and the school repeatedly inundated.
The residents are appealing to their Member of Parliament, George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, the Regional Minister, and President Mahama to intervene and ensure all structures on the waterways are demolished to address the flooding permanently.
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