Traders and business owners at Abrepo Junction in Kumasi have begun removing their belongings as the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) clears structures occupying the right-of-way for the ongoing Suame interchange project.
The demolition exercise, which began on the morning of the operation, was carried out by a joint team of military personnel and the KMA task force to make way for construction works along the designated corridor.
Excavators were deployed to pull down temporary structures, while affected traders retrieved goods and other belongings ahead of the demolition.
The exercise follows repeated notices from municipal authorities directing occupants to voluntarily remove their structures to prevent obstruction of the interchange project.
Some traders reportedly complied with the earlier directives, while others remained at the site until the enforcement team arrived.
KMA seeks to minimise property damage
The Transport Manager of the KMA, Adu Larbi Sampson, said the assembly was allowing affected traders time to salvage their goods to minimise losses during the exercise.
He said municipal officials, including the mayor, had visited the area months earlier to warn occupants to clear the right-of-way voluntarily.
“We came here with the Mayor some months ago. They have been warned several times to voluntarily remove their structures so that the right-of-way can be cleared for construction to progress,” he said.
Mr Sampson explained that although the assembly was determined to ensure compliance, it was adopting a measured approach to avoid unnecessary destruction of personal property.
“However, as human as we are, we are giving those who want to salvage their goods the opportunity to voluntarily take them off,” he added.
He said the affected traders had generally cooperated with the enforcement team, acknowledging that they had received prior warnings from the authorities.
“We are not really using maximum force; we are trying to do things in a way that will not destroy too many properties,” he said.
Clearing to continue until corridor is secured
Mr Sampson said the operation would continue until all structures within the designated right-of-way had been removed to allow contractors to proceed with construction.
He noted, however, that the duration of the exercise could depend on the availability of equipment and personnel.
The Suame interchange project is intended to improve traffic movement and ease congestion in Kumasi, with Abrepo Junction forming part of the access corridors required for the construction.
The KMA says the ongoing enforcement exercise is necessary to secure the designated areas and prevent encroachment from hindering progress on the project.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
