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Even before the hullabaloo surrounding the demolition of structures belonging to artisans at Tanokrom Konkompe, a suburb of Takoradi, could settle down, the military, which is operating the Takoradi Airport have also raised red flag over the intended construction of a modern shopping Mall complex on the disputed land. The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan assembly last week Friday led a combined team of police and military to demolish structures on the land to pave way for the construction of the shopping Mall by a South African investor. The land, which is very close to the runway of the airport, has become a subject of dispute, with two families already claiming ownership. Experts have also expressed concern over the decision to construct a modern shopping Mall at the place, which could affect safe landing of aircrafts at the Takoradi Air force base. The Metropolitan assembly has, however, shot down these concerns and insists that the project must go ahead. But a document prepared by the military and sighted by The Chronicle, with the heading: �Issues on Location of Shopping Mall near Jubilee Park in Relation to Takoradi Airfield�, has raised red flag on the project. According to the document, prepared by the aviation wing of the military, considering that the shopping mall would consist of at least a building with 5/6 storey, that would mean an obstruction of about 35-45 meters, less than 100m laterally from the extended runway path. The report continued that Takoradi Airport uses its right hand circuit pattern for air traffic for training, or even to land in bad weather. This right hand circuit is to the west of the runway and extends laterally from the runway center line about 2m to the west. This is known as the live side of the runway. �In the live side of the runway, no obstruction like mast or tall buildings are allowed, due to the fact that in very bad weather aircraft can fly as low as 500-700 feet to make necessary landing,� the report noted. �This lack of tall structure can be verified by anyone who looks at the west side of the airfield from any part of the runway or even from the proposed site of the shopping mall. Any obstruction in the right base will necessitate the aircraft having to fly higher to see the start of runway 22, meaning it might be unable to land,� the report noted. It cautioned that upon similar technical consideration and advice from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Jubilee Park was built and offset to the east to avoid the runway path. �This is because, normally, aircraft were not to fly over assemblies of people at a height of less than 500 feet and lateral distance of 1nm. The shopping Mall will definitely lead to a concentration of people at all times and if an aircraft lands short or crushes into the area, there is likely to be a heavy casualty count as Takoradi has limited aerial fire-fighting capability�. Looking at the above, the report suggested that a thorough re-examination of the shopping mall proposal be made with inputs from the major stakeholders especially GCAA, GAF and GNFS. �Much as it is desired that development and creation of jobs be facilitated, doing it at an increased risk to aviation and flight operations into the Takoradi Airport leaves much to be desired�, the report noted. The Contractor working on the Shopping Mall Project, Mr. Peter Obosu confirmed the report prepared by the military in a telephone interview with the Chronicle. He, however, claimed his outfit had addressed the concerns raised in the report by the Military. �These are old stories and we have gone pass that stage,�� he said. Mr. Obosu pointed out that the proposed building of the shopping mall has nothing to do with the safety of flight as earlier raised by the military in its report. He said the structure would only be three storey that will measure up to 10 meters. The Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the STMA, John Laste also confirmed the report and added that the military had seen the designs for the shopping mall and did not raise any objection. He added the Air Force earlier raised an alarm over the shopping mall structure and the contractor has to make changes in the new designs because of the fly zone. Some of the residents who spoke to the Chronicle however noted that no matter the safety measures they would put in place, it would not be conducive to site the Mall, which is close to the runaway.