Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, has expressed concern over increasing encroachment on public roads and other critical infrastructure in parts of her constituency. During an inspection of ongoing road rehabilitation projects on July 28, she described the situation as a threat to development projects.
Road Encroachment Threatens Development Projects
Ms Akurugu's concerns were raised during an inspection of road rehabilitation projects in the Ga East Municipal Assembly. The team visited the Grand Star Hotel–Nama Road at Musuku, the Ashongman Pure Water Road rehabilitation project, road projects at Taifa, and the installation of streetlights from Transition to the Atomic Roundabout. At Taifa, they discovered a private residence had significantly encroached on a public road, reducing the available carriageway and potentially affecting future road expansion.
The MP stressed that public roads must be preserved for the benefit of all residents. "Public roads belong to everyone. No individual has the right to take over public space for private purposes. We must protect these roads if we want sustainable development in our communities," she said.
Electricity Poles Pose Challenge for Infrastructure Development
Ms Akurugu also criticised the placement of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) power poles in the middle of some roads in Taifa. She described the situation as avoidable and costly, saying it creates challenges for infrastructure development. "Infrastructure planning must be coordinated. We cannot continue relocating utility poles because they were placed within road alignments. That only delays projects and increases costs," she noted.
The MP's concerns about poor coordination between utility providers and road authorities are not new. In Ghana, infrastructure development is often hindered by the lack of coordination between different agencies.
Residents Warned Against Destroying Public Infrastructure
While inspecting the Ashongman Pure Water Road rehabilitation project, the team observed attempts by some individuals to fill a retention pond allegedly to pave the way for building construction. Ms Akurugu strongly opposed the move, insisting that the retention pond plays a critical role in flood control within the area. "It won't happen. We will not allow anyone to destroy essential drainage infrastructure for private development. These facilities exist to protect lives and property, and we will ensure they are preserved," she stated.
The Ga East Municipal Chief Executive, Edmund Agboh, assured residents that the Assembly would enforce planning regulations and work with relevant state institutions to safeguard public infrastructure.
Commitment to Protecting Public Assets
Ms Akurugu commended the progress of the ongoing infrastructure works and reiterated her commitment to working with the Assembly and relevant agencies to improve road networks and protect public assets across the constituency. She appealed to residents to support development efforts by respecting road reservations and reporting activities that threaten public infrastructure. The MP's commitment to protecting public assets is a welcome development, especially in areas where infrastructure is critical to economic growth.
The concerns raised by Ms Akurugu highlight the need for better coordination between different agencies responsible for infrastructure development. With the increasing population and economic growth, the need for well-planned infrastructure development is more pressing than ever. The Ga East Municipal Assembly must work closely with relevant agencies to ensure that public infrastructure is protected and developed in a sustainable manner.
Source: Joy Online
