The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Sisaala East Municipal Assembly, Hon. Adamu Yakubu, has dismissed fears that the ongoing demolition of structures to open up long-congested access roads in Tumu town will cost the governing party political fortunes. According to him, the exercise will rather boost the party’s electoral fortunes and unlock massive economic and business opportunities for the local economy.

Speaking to the Radfordfm news on the ongoing demolition exercise at the Tumu Mooshi Zongo, Hon. Yakubu stated firmly that the exercise would translate into more votes for the party, as it addresses a decades-long developmental and economic hurdle.

The Mooshi Zongo settlement, an old community in Tumu predominantly occupied by the Mooshi family originally from Burkina Faso, has remained choked for several decades. Despite attempts by successive assemblies to clear the earmarked stretch and open up the area, the road remained blocked until the current assembly took the bold step to fund the exercise using its Internally Generated Funds (IGF).

Responding to questions about whether the demolition of long-standing structures in the community could trigger a political backlash, the MCE was highly optimistic. “The demolition and opening of these roads will rather bring the party more votes,” Hon. Yakubu stated. He explained that the lack of access roads had long posed a severe security and safety threat to the residents. In times of emergency, essential services such as fire tenders and ambulances found it nearly impossible to navigate the area.

Crucially, the MCE emphasized that opening up the corridor is a strategic move that will unlock the economic and commercial potential of the community. “When the roads are open and finally constructed, many more people will open shops along the road, and at that time, they will praise the government,” he added, pointing out that the increased business traffic would boost local livelihoods. Hon. Yakubu further revealed that the exercise forms part of a broader master plan by the assembly to open up all blocked roads within the Tumu township.

Once the clearing is complete, the assembly intends to formally notify the Department of Urban Roads to step in for standard construction. He emphasized that the assembly has already successfully opened up several areas in Tumu and will not stop until every corner of the municipality is accessible. He noted that the exercise has received the full blessings and support of all key stakeholders, including the Paramount Chief of the Tumu Traditional Area, the local landlord (Jantiina), the Member of Parliament, and the community members themselves.

When the Radfordfm news team visited the site, several home owners along the stretch had already voluntarily removed their roofs, with a majority having safely relocated to new structures. The Chief of the Mooshi Zongo, Mr. Issifu Issahaka, expressed profound joy over the development, stating that the community had endured congestion for far too long.”We are now part of Tumu after seeing our roads being done,” Chief Issahaka said, adding that the residents were fully ready for the exercise. Other residents who spoke to the Radfordfm shared similar sentiments, noting that development and economic growth cannot happen without some level of sacrifice and the destruction of old structures.

Meanwhile, the Assembly Member for the Nanyuan Electoral Area, Hon. Awudu Mahama Fari, who is facilitating the exercise, clarified that the alignment of the road was determined purely by technical planning officers if the assembly and not by him personally. Reacting to complaints from a few disgruntled homeowners who have called him out over the exercise, Hon. Fari said he was unfazed by the criticism. He stated that he was ready to take the heat so long as the ultimate goal of the exercise is achieved, which is to beautify, attract business, and develop the area for the greater public good.

By: Radford F.M