News:
June 1, 2022
Ranking member on Local Government and Rural Development, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has given indication that the Committee is worried with the flooding situation in the nation’s capital, and this week there is expected statement on the floor of the House.
According to him he expect that the Rt. Hon Speaker would give some directives as to what should be done with the annual situation, in line with directives given by President Nana Akufo-Addo, for some dredging to be done.
In an interview, he pointed out that he is very optimistic and certain that certain decisions would be taken by the Regional Coordinating Council.
Whiles at that he further pointed out that but for the Regional Officers’ election by the NPP over the weekend that would get his colleagues in the Majority occupied, the Committee which has oversight responsibility over the Local Government Ministry, would have gone round to see for themselves how the flooding has affected people within the capital.
“Our hope is that we would not have only talks, action would follow the talk so that we minimise the effect of the flooding”.
In addition he noted that he is worried that with the current flooding, authorities would go out there to conduct demolishing of peoples buildings; it is not right more especially when local authorities have allowed them to build on water ways, they cannot just get up and go and demolish, they need a court order to do that.
“And when demolishing is done what about those who have been affected by the floods now and lost their properties; what are we going to do to them. If we are not careful we would end up causing a lot of social disruptions, the homes to be demolished they are also going to become homeless.”
He emphasized that there is going to be consequences on every action that one takes, but was quick to add that there is the need to take a very decisive decision to move buildings in water ways.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com