The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has removed unauthorised makeshift structures being reconstructed at Kofikrom, a squatter settlement in Avenor within Accra’s North Industrial Area, to pave the way for a planned redevelopment project involving permanent block buildings and essential social amenities.
The exercise was led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who joined security personnel and the Assembly’s Task Force to dismantle the structures following a devastating fire outbreak that previously destroyed property and claimed lives in the community.
The structures, which were being rebuilt despite earlier directives against their reconstruction, consisted mainly of upright wooden posts, horizontal beams and supporting braces arranged in rows. While some had been partially enclosed with wooden planks, most remained without roofs.
The operation was intended to prevent the reconstruction of temporary wooden structures and ensure that the planned redevelopment of the settlement could proceed.
Speaking during the exercise, Mr Allotey expressed concern over the decision by some residents to rebuild the makeshift structures despite assurances that permanent block buildings would be provided under the proposed redevelopment programme.
He warned that the Assembly would not permit the continued erection of unauthorised wooden structures in the area, particularly following the deadly fire that exposed residents to serious safety risks.
According to the Mayor, the redevelopment initiative is intended to improve living conditions in the settlement by replacing the temporary structures with permanent buildings and providing basic infrastructure.
He urged residents to comply with the Assembly’s directives and refrain from putting up new structures that could obstruct the planned construction works.
Mr Allotey disclosed that preparations are underway to construct permanent block buildings for residents affected by the fire, as part of efforts to provide a safer and more organised residential environment.
He indicated that contractors have already been deployed to the site to undertake measurements and other preliminary activities ahead of the commencement of construction.
The proposed project is expected to include the provision of electricity, borehole water and streetlights, which the Mayor said would be made available to residents free of charge.
These facilities, he explained, would help improve the community’s living conditions while addressing some of the infrastructure challenges confronting residents.
The redevelopment is also expected to include a tarred one-way access road within the settlement.
According to Mr Allotey, the road would improve movement within the community, make it easier for vehicles to access the area and ensure that emergency response services can reach residents without unnecessary obstruction.
The planned improvements are intended to address some of the conditions that have contributed to safety concerns in the settlement, particularly the risks associated with makeshift wooden structures and inadequate infrastructure.
The removal of the structures follows a devastating fire outbreak at Kofikrom that resulted in loss of life and the destruction of property, highlighting the dangers associated with the settlement’s existing living conditions.
The reconstruction of wooden structures after the incident has prompted the AMA to step up enforcement to prevent residents from rebuilding in a manner that could undermine the proposed redevelopment programme.
The Assembly’s latest operation is therefore aimed at keeping the site clear for the planned construction works while preventing the return of the temporary structures.
By 1960news.com
