Some residents at Ejisu have raised concerns about attempts by some developers to build on waterways between Ejisu and Besease in the Ashanti Region.

Last year, a proposed market meant to be constructed at the area, was cancelled following flooding that brought business activities in the area to a standstill – a situation that affected traders and travellers who ply the Efiduase road.

A former Assemblyman for the Besease Electoral area, Mr Samuel Dankwa, expressed disappointment about the decision to give the area to an individual developer when it was declared unsafe for the construction of the proposed market.

Some residents of the area suspect the Ejisu Municipal Assembly (EMA) has sold the swampy land to developers despite its own laws prohibiting building on waterways.

According to the residents, some unknown people have begun to fill parts of the Odao river – a water body that flows through the wetland, adding: “They only work here at dawn".

They also accused the Assembly of deliberately overlooking the unlawful practice.

Farmers who cultivate rice at the swampy area also expressed worry about the development in the area, as the “illegal practice" has debilitated their produce and livelihood.

The farmers expressed fears that the environs of Besease will flood when it rains if the developers continue building in the wetland, and, so, called on the government and the Assembly to revoke the permits of the developers.

The former assembly man also urged stakeholders including chiefs to desist from selling waterlogged areas to people for construction purposes.