The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced plans to construct a new residential housing facility for residents of Kofikrom, a squatter settlement at Avenor in Accra’s North Industrial Area.
The proposed Accra housing project follows a recent fire outbreak that destroyed several wooden and makeshift structures in the community, leaving residents in need of safer and more durable accommodation.
According to the Mayor, the redevelopment project will replace the existing wooden structures with permanent block buildings and provide improved infrastructure, including streetlights, walkways, sanitation facilities and tarred access roads.
The initiative is expected to receive support from corporate institutions as the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) seeks to transform the area into a safer, cleaner and more organised residential community.
Free Housing for Kofikrom Residents
Michael Kpakpo Allotey disclosed the plans when he visited Kofikrom to inspect the ongoing removal of debris following the fire incident.
The fire reportedly affected several structures within the settlement as well as adjoining industrial facilities, including portions of the Duraplast area.
Addressing residents, the AMA Mayor said the proposed accommodation would be provided free of charge to eligible beneficiaries.
He stressed that the rooms would neither be sold nor rented to residents, adding that the land on which the project would be developed remains government property.
“The Street Never Forgets”
Speaking about his decision to support residents of the settlement, Mayor Allotey drew on his own experience of growing up in difficult circumstances.
He said his background had helped him understand the challenges faced by vulnerable people and residents living in deprived communities.
“We all we dey a street top. The reason why I’m not scared of the street. I’m coming from the street. And the street never forgets,” he said.
The Mayor said the planned redevelopment would consist mainly of single-storey buildings with individual rooms, making the structures relatively simple and potentially allowing construction to be completed within a short period.
Corporate Support for Kofikrom Redevelopment
Under the proposed arrangement, the AMA intends to work with corporate institutions and other partners to provide additional infrastructure for the project.
These could include roofing materials, street lighting, walkways and other facilities needed to improve living conditions in the community.
The redevelopment is therefore expected to go beyond providing accommodation by addressing some of the sanitation, security and infrastructure challenges associated with the current settlement.
AMA Warns Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Activities
Mayor Allotey also issued a strong warning that beneficiaries of the new housing project would be expected to maintain discipline and respect the rules governing the facility.
He said drug abuse, the sale of illicit substances and gang-related activities would not be tolerated in the redeveloped community.
He explained that the project was intended to create a safer environment and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.
The Mayor further made it clear that beneficiaries would not acquire ownership rights over the accommodation.
No individual or group, he warned, would be allowed to sell, rent out or exercise unauthorised control over the facilities.
Kofikrom Residents to Select Representatives
As part of preparations for the Kofikrom housing project, Mayor Allotey directed residents to select five representatives who will serve as a link between the community and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
The representatives are expected to participate in consultations and assist with communication between residents and the Assembly throughout the planning and implementation stages.
The Mayor expressed optimism that construction could begin and progress relatively quickly because the proposed structures would be straightforward single-storey buildings rather than complex multi-level developments.
The initiative is expected to provide a new direction for slum redevelopment in Accra, replacing vulnerable makeshift structures with safer housing and improved community infrastructure.
Source: newsthemegh.com