TDC,TMA Clash Over Halted Construction Project At Tema Site 3.
A fresh dispute has emerged between TDC Ghana Ltd and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) following the halting of an ongoing construction project at Tema Sites 3.
The dispute escalated after the TMA Taskforce moved to stop construction works being undertaken by TDC Ghana Limited at the site, prompting strong objections from the management of the state-owned development company.
The Managing Director of TDC Ghana Limited, Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, has expressed disappointment over what he described as the invasion of the construction site by the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ebi Bright.
According to him, the project is a government-sanctioned development intended to provide much-needed housing infrastructure and has been duly approved by the appropriate authorities.
Mr. Nunekpeku also rejected claims that the Assembly had issued several warnings to TDC or engaged the company extensively before the construction was halted.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing, he explained that there has been a longstanding convention among government institutions that certain projects undertaken on behalf of the state do not require permits from local assemblies.
He maintained that the ongoing development falls within that arrangement and therefore does not require the permit being demanded by the Assembly.
Mr. Nunekpeku expressed concern about the approach adopted by the TMA Chief Executive, stressing that the matter has since been reported to the Office of the President for intervention.
But the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ebi Bright, has defended the Assembly’s action, saying it followed complaints from residents within Sites 3 and 8.
According to her, residents raised concerns that TDC was undertaking what they described as an illegal development despite an existing injunction relating to the site.
She further alleged that military personnel were being used to intimidate residents who attempted to challenge the development.
The TMA Chief Executive insisted that the project does not have the requisite permit from the Assembly and, therefore, cannot continue.
Amid the escalating disagreement, the Tema East Member of Parliament and a Board Member of TDC Ghana Limited, Isaac Ashai Odamten, has called for calm and urged both institutions to work towards an amicable resolution.
He pledged to engage the two parties to find a solution to the impasse in the interest of peace and development in Tema.
The Spokesperson for the Tema Traditional Council, Nii Armah Somponu, has also appealed to both sides to respect the law and pursue dialogue to resolve the matter.
He urged all parties to exercise restraint and ensure that the dispute does not degenerate into tension within the community.
REPORTER: AHIABOR AUGUSTINE.
