By King Amoah with additional reports from Asona Dehyie
The Managing Director of A. Kanin Quarry & Company Ltd Mr Eric Akwasi Appiah has expressed disappointment over the continuous encroachment of his company’s designated buffer zone in the Kwabre East and has therefore threatened to take the laws into his own hands if the authorities fail to act immediately.
According to him, he is no longer going to sit down and expect unexpected disaster at his quarry site before he could act.
Speaking to the media, Mr Appiah disclosed that the 500 meter demarcated safety zone amounting to over 200 acres have been illegally encroached by individuals who have put up unauthorized structures on them.
Mr. Eric Akwasi Appiah lamented that despite informing key stakeholders including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) no substantial action has been taken to halt the recurring encroachment
He indicated that suct unlawful activities are in no small measure having negative impacts on the operational activities of his quarry Company.
He emphasized that the quarry supplies essential materials for government infrastructure projects including roads and schools insisting that the disruptive activities of the encroachers that ultimately disrupt the the Company’s functions must be treated as a National issue.
Frustrated by the perceived indifferences of the Kwabre Municipal Assembly, the Director said he has issued a stern ultimatum stating that he intends to begin demolishing the illegal structures himself if the regulatory bodies do not intervene promptly.
He further urged NADMO and the EPA to do the needful before the situation gets escalated.
Expressing bitter concerns on the issue some of the quarry workers who spoke to the media said they are frequently attacked by these encroachers who have been allegedly using offensive weapons like machetes and sticks.
The encroachers reportedly complain that the quarrying activities are detrimental to their homes.
The workers on their part appealed directly to the government to intervene, citing fear and intimidation despite performing their legitimate duties.
In response to the issue the Kwabre East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Joseph Amankwah Nurudeen, confirmed that the Assembly has received multiple reports regarding the encroachment.
The MCE assured the public that the Assembly is committed to preventing any disaster and confirmed that the illegal developers have defaulted on regulations.
He stated unequivocally that the encroached buildings would be demolished before the situation escalates further.
Hon. Nurudeen took the opportunity to advise developers to strictly adhere to building codes and desist from erecting structures the on buffer zones and other restricted areas.
He warned that the Assembly would not hesitate to demolish any non-compliant structures.
Picture attached is the Kwabere East Municipality MCE Hon Joseph Amankwa Nureedin and a quarry site ( not the one owns by Mr Eric Akwasi Appiah)
