From Accra Metropolitan Assembly
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) after a series of engagements, and legal tussle is set to commence the redevelopment of the Opera Square in the coming weeks.
The project, which will transform portions of the area into a modern five-story shopping centre with over 100 stores, sought, among other things, to create a conducive shopping environment in the city.
This was disclosed on Wednesday during a meeting with traders currently occupying parts of the area earmarked for redevelopment to inform them of the green light by the court as rightful owners of the land.
Addressing the traders, AMA Coordinating Director, Mr. Douglas Annoful, said the redevelopment project forms part of a broader vision to modernise the city’s infrastructure and provide better facilities for both traders and shoppers.
“Following extensive consultations with all stakeholders, we are now ready to begin the redevelopment of Opera Square, the project is crucial for modernising our city’s infrastructure and enhancing the commercial viability of this central location,” he said.
He used the opportunity to explain the assembly’s responsibility in land management and development in collaboration with local chiefs and emphasised the importance of registering all lands in the assembly’s name, a process mandated by law.
He said the Opera Square land, initially disputed between AMA and Metro Mass Transit Limited, had been the subject of a court case, adding that the court had now granted the AMA permission to develop a portion of the land.
He stated that Metro Mass Transit Limited had been instructed by the court not to interfere with the assembly’s construction activities, stressing that the development project would begin in the coming weeks.
He urged the traders to relocate their belongings within a week to facilitate the construction and assured them that they would be the first to be contacted upon the project’s completion.
Mr. Annoful acknowledged the lengthy history of this issue, dating back before his tenure as coordinating director reiterating that while there might be temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits would be significant for the community.
A rep from Appeb Enterprise, Mr. Kojo Boateng, one of the project contractors noted that the project would benefit local businesses, particularly those selling electrical items, as they would be sourcing their materials from these vendors.
He mentioned that the project had experienced delays but assured that the ground floor would be completed in three months, with the entire five-story building finished in five months.
A trader who spoke after the meeting expressed support for the area’s development, noting that the current layout of the shops was not ideal.
He emphasised the need for a fair allocation process and recalled a previous experience, citing increased costs compared to newcomers.
The trader expressed willingness to comply with the redevelopment efforts but criticised the current timeline while suggesting an extension of the notice period to one month.
The meeting concluded that, due to the loans contracted by the liaises, it was impossible to extend the Wednesday deadline, even though the traders were requesting more time to vacate.
Source: newsthemegh.com