Omanhene raises red flag against filling of wetlands t

Takoradi, Nov. 22, GNA- The Paramount Chief of Western Nzema, Awulae Annor Adjaye III, has decried the filling of wetlands for estates development.

He said such unlawful practice had gone on unchecked in the cities for a long time, especially in the Sekondi-Takoradi, Accra, Kumasi and Koforidua, resulting in floods during torrential rains.

Awulae Annor Adjaye made the observation at the launch of the Western Regional Spatial Development Framework (WRSDF) aimed at streamlining and harmonising the use of land in the region in Takoradi.

“It is unfortunate that as a nation, we have failed to plan the use of our lands since independence and this has affected our development efforts considerably,” he said.

“Often, we are confronted with floods after little rains in our cities and we have to spend huge sums of money providing relief items for flood victims, “Awulae Adjaye noted.

The Omanhene stated that there is the need for innovation in the approach towards the use of land in the region to ensure accelerated socio-economic development.

He observed that in view of the increasing population in the urban and Peri-urban areas, it would be prudent for high-rise buildings to economise land in order to accommodate a considerable number of people.

Awulae Annor Adjaye lauded the initiators of the spatial development framework and asked them to make provision for relaxation centres and recreation facilities in the cities since they are vital for the health of the people.

He said the facilitators of the spatial development framework should consult the traditional authorities and the people who are the custodians of the land to make inputs into the plan so that everybody would own it.

The Deputy Regional Minister, Ms Emelia Arthur, observed that, the framework would restore, protect and preserve the environment.

It would make provision for equitable distribution of major infrastructure and social services such as electricity, water, roads, gas pipeline, among other facilities to all parts of the region.