AMA to rid city of illegal structures

Accra, Oct. 8, GNA - The Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, Dr Alfred Vanderpuije, on Thursday said the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) would soon rid the city of unauthorised structures and activities and make Accra a city befitting its status.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra after he had toured parts of the capital with directors and technical officials at the AMA, he said the tour would continue once every week till the whole city was covered.

Dr Vanderpuije said commercial activities of vulcanisers and food vendors in unwarranted and unhealthy places such as street corners and major streets would not be tolerated.

He said food vendors would be organised to operate in open spaces and work according to AMA health standards.

All illegal construction works would be stopped and regularised to make sure that all construction works were covered by permit, he said, adding that broken vehicles, old and dilapidated vehicles and fallen trees would also be removed. Illegal structures at the various lorry parks would be removed and activities at the lorry parts regulated. Broken down vehicles would be towed and owners surcharged, he said, and added that the various sub-metros would be devising strategies to bring sanity into the capital.

On the fire outbreak at the Accra Metro Education Office on Wednesday, he said he together with his directors were at the site to see to the quenching of the fire.

He said the AMA would take immediate steps to temporarily house the displaced personnel in a new building so that their service delivery would not be curtailed.

"We will look at a long term solution to provide a permanent place for the staff at the metro office," he said.