TTC wants gas pipeline area re-planned
The Tema Traditional Council (TTC), has called for the re-planning of the land near the gas transmission area of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) in Tema Manhean.
The land which was a residential area was acquired by WAPCO for the laying of its gas pipeline which stretch from Nigeria through Togo to Ghana to transmit natural gas to power producers.
Even though officials of the Company said the needed compensation had been paid to land owners before the laying of the gas pipelines, some residents of Bankuman have extended their activities to the right-of-way which could lead to a massive fire outbreak.
Nii Amarh Somponu II, Tema Shipi and Secretary of the Tema Stool Land, who called for the re-planning, said because the place used to be a residential area, it was difficult for residents to fully understand the dangers of their activities near the pipelines.
Nii Somponu said it was about time the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) re-planned the area to ensure the safety of residents and properties.
He said there was the need for them to create access routes for residents living near the right-of-way of WAPCO as its absence had led to its use as a thorough fare.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on solutions to encroachment on the WAPCO right-of-way, he gave the assurance that the TTC would officially write to TMA and TDC to re-plan the area.
He urged the city planners not to hesitate to demolish some of the structures to create a buffer and an access route to the community as a measure to protect the national asset.
Mr William Osei, Head of Planning at TDC, confirmed that the entire area was planned by his outfit for residence but was given out to WAPCO and those leaving within the right-of-way of the gas pipeline, resettled before the commencement of the project.
Some residents in the area said they rented their structures and were not aware of the looming dangers of their activities on the gas pipelines.
They therefore appealed to the relevant institutions to embark on intensive and practical education on the issue to community members.
Source: GNA