Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister of Works, Housing, and Water Resources, has asked residents of the Kaiser Flats at Tema Community 4 to leave the dilapidated houses, characterising them as death traps unfit for human occupancy.
He emphasised that the government would not be held accountable for any casualties in the event that the buildings collapsed and stated that the ongoing occupancy of the buildings presented a major risk to lives.
During a working visit to housing developments being carried out by TDC Ghana Ltd. in Tema on Wednesday, Mr. Adjei issued the directive.
The visit was a component of initiatives to evaluate the state of ongoing projects meant to alleviate the nation’s housing need.
The Minister pointed out that even after being provided alternate housing in the Kpone Affordable Housing project, many tenants had refused to transfer despite multiple attempts by TDC management to do so.
“I have asked the TDC to formally write to the 45 people currently living in the facility, based on the structural assessment, that it is not right for any human being to live in those buildings,” he said.
Tenants who refused to move would have to sign documents stating that they were remaining at their own risk, he said.
“If something happens, they cannot blame government or anyone. They would have taken that decision themselves,” he continued.
Mr. Adjei expressed worry that some families were residing in the buildings with their kids and cautioned that if immediate action was not taken, the situation would become tragic.
He emphasised that “life is more important than any reason they may have for staying” and advised the residents to put their safety first and accept the relocation option.
The Minister stated that although while TDC intended to build new residential units close by, the project might take up to two years to finish, making it dangerous for locals to stay in the current structures, particularly during that time.
The Tema Metropolitan Disaster Management Committee, led by Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive Ms. Ebi Bright, was assigned by Mr. Dennis Nartey, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), to evaluate and evacuate residents residing in the dilapidated Kaiser Flats in order to prevent a potential disaster prior to the minister’s visit.
He warned that even a small earthquake may cause a collapse and put lives in danger because the structures’ structural condition had deteriorated to a catastrophic degree.
“We identified one hazard at the Kaiser Flats. It is a disaster waiting. The inaugurated committee should look at how fast we can evacuate those living in those dilapidated structures because at the slightest tremor, that building could come down,” he stated.
Residents, however, have opposed the move, arguing that they should not be regarded as squatters since they obtained the apartments lawfully.
They claimed that because of TDC’s neglect, they had made significant investments to preserve the ageing structures, and they called the eviction unjust and upsetting.
The locals also objected to the planned move to the Kpone Affordable Housing enclave, citing the possibility of lengthier commutes for employers and students, reduced room sizes, and disruption to their way of life.
TDC has delivered eviction notices to tenants over the years; the most recent one was sent in January of this year. As a result, some individuals left, while others stayed.
Source: newsthemegh.com