'Move or face demolition' - Bibiani MCE warns following devastating floods

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Sebastian Obeng, has issued a final strong warning to residents who have erected unauthorised structures on waterways, declaring that the Assembly will move to demolish such buildings to prevent future disasters.

This directive follows a destructive hour-long downpour that submerged homes, destroyed personal property, and left several families in the municipality displaced.

During an inspection tour of the flood-affected areas, the MCE described the scale of the destruction as “disheartening.”

He identified indiscriminate waste dumping and the persistent encroachment on natural water channels as the primary causes of the perennial flooding.

“We have received multiple reports of people encroaching on waterways. These developers have flagrantly disregarded our building regulations. We are committed to preventing further disasters, and I am telling them unequivocally that these structures will be demolished before the situation escalates further,” the MCE warned.

The MCE emphasised that the Assembly will no longer tolerate the flouting of planning laws.

He urged all developers to adhere strictly to building codes and to cease construction in restricted zones immediately.

He reaffirmed that the Assembly is tasked with ensuring the safety of the entire municipality and will not hesitate to pull down any non-compliant structures to ensure that water channels remain clear for the benefit of all residents.

He further cautioned that the days of unchecked development are over, noting that the Assembly is prioritizing public safety over the private interests of those who have bypassed legal permitting processes.