The Ga West community of Mallam and surrounding areas were on Tuesday reduced to a scene of wailing and gnashing of teeth as city authorities tore down illegally cited structures. 250 houses, mostly in waterways, are earmarked for destruction this week. The exercise is being carried out in Mallam, Mile 7, Tantra Hills, Awoshie, Chanta and Fish Pond; all suburbs of Accra, which were hardest hit by last month’s floods. Seven people lost their lives in the flooding whilst thousands were internally displaced. Officials of the district assembly told Joy News the exercise is in conformity with government’s decision to demolish all houses sited in waterways to avert any further loss of lives and property as more rains are expected. Some of the residents said they were taken by surprise as they woke up this morning to hear the sounds of excavators and bulldozers pulling down their buildings. But the Assembly officials said the exercise is very important and enough notice was given to the affected persons.