Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has demolished several illegal structures sited under its transmission lines in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Municipality in Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The exercise covered areas behind the Fiesta Royale Hotel, Ayigbe Town, Bawaleshie, Adjiringano and American House.
A task force comprising officials of GRIDCo, police and military officers demolished the illegal structures.
The exercise, which started around 5am saw the demolition of makeshift wooden structures, kiosks and other structures used by mechanics, and other artisans as their business premises.
It forms part of a nationwide exercise the power transmitter will be undertaking to reduce the growing human activities around its transmission pylons.
According to GRIDCo, the site is not suitable for human habitation.
GRIDCo undertook a similar exercise in March 2020 when it demolished illegal structures under its pylons from the American House through to Dzorwulu, a suburb of Accra.
Hundreds of the squatters at Bawaleshie rushed to salvage their personal belongings before they were bulldozed by the team.
Amid tears, many affected individuals pleaded with the task force to give them some time to pack out their belongings from their makeshift structures.
“It is not all of us who can afford to rent, and that is why we live in areas like these. So we need help and the government should help us.
“Now that we have been ejected, where should we go? We can’t go and steal, so government should come in,” one of the victims cried.
In a statement issued by Ing Bernard Kwabena Gyan, Communications Manager, it said the exercise is to rid GRIDCo’s right of way of encroachers whose activities pose a threat to its transmission towers and a danger to human lives.
The statement said in October 2021, GRIDCo, in partnership with identified District Assemblies and the media undertook a nationwide right of way sensitisation exercise to educate squatters about the risk associated with their activities along the company’s right of way.
“During that sensitisation exercise, GRIDCo urged compliance with timelines provided in media publications to prevent any inconveniences.
“Under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation
No. LI 1737 of 2004, it is an offence for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity about the lands around the location of power transmission lines and towers in Ghana.”
GRIDCo pointed out that operations included drilling, excavation works, lorry parks, shops, garages, barns and real estate undertaken within the RoW reservations is strictly prohibited.
“These activities pose danger to human life and property as transmission line faults can result in human casualties and property damage.”
The company said it would continue to collaborate with all relevant state institutions to remove property and structures identified as illegal human activities, within its Right-of-Way (RoW) to safeguard public safety and ensure the reliability of power transmission.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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