Deputy Minister of Railway Development, Kwaku Agyenim Boateng, has said that that his outfit will work towards ensuring that persons living and working around the proposed Tema-Akosombo railway line will not be greatly affected by the project.
According to him, government will make sure there is minimal demolition of houses and machine shops.
[contextly_sidebar id=”vFOq61kjONeF7nJbxfLcTqbLFnMYHxuJ”]The last survey conducted in the area suggested that, about 700 houses and machine shops would have to be demolished for the rail track.
However, government has reconsidered the design, and the number has been reduced to 120 houses and machine shops.
“As at the last survey from the 9 kilometers, we were looking at over 700 houses and machine shops, but then we have reconsidered the design and we have come to over 120 houses and machine shops….we want to make sure people benefit, we are doing it because of the people here and they must be considered in the process” he said.
He said government was taking a holistic view of the process, by looking at the designs and assessing what can be implemented.
He added that as the project is for the benefit of the residents, their concerns must be taken into consideration before decisions are taken.
The deputy Minister assured the Ashaiman Timber Market traders that their petition had been received by the ministry, and that Government was doing its best to address the issues they raised.
“Hopefully, this encounter will be communicated to the Minister, the Minister will carry it on to a higher authority and we will get back to them.”
He finally noted that, deciding on what reservation government would use was very essential, and would have a significant impact on future expansions, for which reason government is applying a great deal of caution on the project.
–
By: Farida Yusif/Citifmonline.com/Ghana