Ghana Water shuts down Ashanti treatment plants over demolition dispute
The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has shut down all major water treatment plants in the Ashanti Region to protest the alleged unlawful demolition of two managers’ bungalows by private developers. The decision, announced by the company’s Workers’ Union, follows unsuccessful attempts to resolve the standoff over the demolition, after a 48-hour ultimatum expired on Friday … The post Ghana Water shuts down Ashanti treatment plants over demolition dispute appeared first on Asaase Radio.
The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has shut down all major water treatment plants in the Ashanti Region to protest the alleged unlawful demolition of two managers’ bungalows by private developers.
The decision, announced by the company’s Workers’ Union, follows unsuccessful attempts to resolve the standoff over the demolition, after a 48-hour ultimatum expired on Friday (13 December).
“The shutdown was a necessary step, a condition to address the issue, and as of now, nothing has been done to resolve it. That’s why the plants remain shut down. We operate a 24-hour system, and if we receive confirmation that our request has been addressed, we’ll be ready to resume operations. Demolishing someone’s property without any prior notice is completely unwarranted”, Asante told Asaase News on Friday (13 December).
“As I speak to you one of our managers is putting up at his office. The individuals who were supposed to have a peaceful rest to perform their duties are now left homeless. How did we find ourselves in this situation?” he quizzed.
The Owabi and Barekese Treament Plants which serve residents within the Ashanti Regional capital have been shut. Other treatment plants in Obuasi, Mampong, Tepa, Konongo are not running.
Residents in parts of the Ashanti Region have already begun experiencing disruptions in water supply due to the protest. Concerns have also been raised about the potential public health crisis if the issue is not resolved promptly.
The affected bungalows, located in Nhyiaeso and Danyame in Kumasi, were home to senior managers of Ghana Water Limited (GWL).
The walls and other structures have been demolished, leaving the area in ruins. The surrounding land has also been cleared, with plans for redevelopment, including the demolition of five additional residences by a private developer.
Reports suggest that GWL management has not yet moved into three newly built bungalows intended to replace the structures designated for demolition.
The land on which the demolished bungalows stood is part of a 400-acre area ceded to the Asantehene, which includes plans for relocation. However, further investigation with the Lands Commission reveals that the Ghana Water Company is unable to provide proof of ownership for the property in question.
In a letter to the affected public agencies, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council outlined a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement to replace the demolished bungalows.
However, the disgruntled staff of Ghana Water Limited (GWL) have denied any knowledge of the allocation of three completed bungalows meant to replace the ones earmarked for demolition, despite receiving official letters regarding the matter.
“The narrative presented to us was that we were being relocated to another structure, with the expectation of paying monthly rent. However, according to our managers, they did not agree to this arrangement. Since the property is owned by a limited liability company, anyone looking to pursue such discussions should engage directly with management. Our Managing Director, through a letter, made it clear that the company is not interested in negotiating the ownership of our land, deeming it a non-negotiable issue”, Mr Philip Asante told Asaase News.
Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom, Kumasi
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The post Ghana Water shuts down Ashanti treatment plants over demolition dispute appeared first on Asaase Radio.
