Kumasi demolition victims praise Atwima Nwabiagya DCE


Scores of families are set to become homeless as authorities at Atwima Nwabiagya Assembly begin demolition of buildings in waterways.

But in a striking departure from such demolitions, a victim, Yaw Owusu, whose 4-bedroom apartment has been targeted for demolition, is rather praising the DCE for taking a bold decision.

Communities targeted for demolition on the Kumasi-Barekese Road, have had their houses submerged when two streams over- flown their banks two weeks ago.

Anomakosa and Aboboano streams are all tributaries of Offin and Owabi Rivers which house the Barekese and Owabi dams.

Surprisingly, instead of the usual protests that characterize such exercises, victims are praising the DCE, Nana Asare Bediako, for taking a bold step to addressing perennial flooding in the area.

The sound of an excavator rumbled as the District Chief Executive, Nana Asare Bediako, led a team from the assembly to supervise the demolition exercise.

Two structures had been pulled down at the time Nhyira News arrived at the scene, with many others on the list.

Residents were forced out of their homes two weeks ago, after their houses went under water following days of uninterrupted rain.

A cosmetic products dealer recounted how divine intervention saved her family from drowning, having lost 3,000 cedis cash, being a bank loan she had contracted.

Authorities say houses constructed here, including a fuel station under construction have no valid permits.

In a sharp contrast to normal resistance by victims to such exercise, residents here support the action of the assembly, though some say they have nowhere to go to.

One of the victims, Mr. Boadi claimed to have a permit on his building but he could not produce it when asked to do so.

Now his worry is where to keep his family of five, at least, temporarily.

But DCE, Nana Asare Bediako, told Nhyira News the action is meant to save life and property.

He hinted similar tough measures will be undertaken elsewhere and no compensation will be given to victims, whom he accused of destroying water bodies in the area.

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