The metro chief executive of the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. Anthony K. K Sam has refuted claims by a cross section of the public regarding the fact that the assembly is supervising Galamsey activities at Essei lagoon.
According to the chief executive, the assembly over the past six years has been dredging the lagoon as part of preparation towards Easter festivities to enable holiday makers and inhabitants to swim during the holidays. He noted that the use of excavators to dredge the lagoon over the years has been observed not to be effective.
He revealed that, the assembly received a proposal from a company who expressed interest to partner with the assembly to effectively dredge the lagoon before the Easter festivities. This compelled the assembly to set up a five member committee to engage and negotiate with the company to come out with a blue print to find a lasting solution to the canker.
He noted that, after several months of discussions and negotiation with the manager of the company, official letter was then issued to the company to commence the dredging and ensure completion before the Easter holidays.
He observed that, the setup of the machine used by the contractor is similar to what the Galamseyers use, He is not prospecting or digging for gold. Speaking at a press briefing he assured the good people of Sekondi Takoradi that, the mandate of the contractor at the Essei lagoon is not for galamsey activities, but only dredging of the lagoon and he is expected to finish the work and leave the site before the Easter holidays.
The Metro Chief Executive, further challenged anybody who has evidence to the contrary to prove it for swift action by the law enforcement agencies.
On the recent De congestion exercise, the MCE said some temporary structures were demolished as announced before commencement of the exercise.
According to him, debris of the demolished structures has been collected to pave way for the planting of green grass and other ornamental plants by the parks and garden units of the assembly as well as paving the sidewalks. He emphasized that, the assembly is continually engaging owners of all marked temporary structures especially along the Ceremonial roads to either relocate or reposition their structures in line with the assembly beautification plan.
He sounded a note of caution to owners of dilapidated and abandoned structures to remove or recondition them in line with the assembly standard.
He revealed that, at the appropriate time, the assembly will move to demolish all such structures should the owners fail to comply with the directives.
