Madam Monica Takyiwaa, Assembly Member for Amasu-Besease in the Dormaa District of Brong Ahafo has condemned the increasing encroachment on water bodies in the area. Madam Takyiwaa attributed the fast evaporation of rivers and streams in her area to human activities, especially during the dry season when most farmers in the area engaged in vegetable cultivation. "In spite of the repeated calls on people to abide by the regulations for the protection of the environment as well as the District Assembly's bye-laws on the environment, our farmers continue to destroy water sources with impunity", she said. She noted that "while some farmers make water bodies part and parcel of their farms, others create their vegetable farms near water bodies so they could easily obtain water for irrigation". The Assembly Member said the negative effects of the practice on the environment and the economic life of the people could be disastrous. Madam Takyiwaa appealed to colleague Assembly Members, unit committees and the District Assembly to step up the fight against the practice and adopt a mechanism to deal ruthlessly with recalcitrant farmers. She recommended the formation of a district environmental task force that would monitor water bodies in the district throughout the year. Source: GNA