The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has demanded the arrest and prosecution of traditional leaders allegedly engaged in selling plots along waterways and other flood-vulnerable zones.
He issued the call on Thursday, May 28, while visiting flood-affected areas after the Weija Dam spillage, which has inundated multiple homes and shops and compelled residents to move their possessions.
Talking to the media, the Ga Mantse said certain traditional rulers were fuelling the persistent flooding crisis by releasing lands meant for water channels and green belts for private projects.
He insisted that such conduct must face consequences. “Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable,” he said.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also urged rigorous enforcement of construction rules and environmental bye-laws to avert future flood catastrophes in hard-hit neighborhoods.
While admitting the pain that may follow pulling down buildings put up in prohibited zones, he maintained that enforcement was vital to safeguard lives and property.
“We believe that everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister and the MMDAs enforce the bye-laws. Nobody should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we have to deal with it,” he said.
“Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life,” he added. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) says evacuation efforts have begun to relocate affected residents to secure shelters.
