The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has led a team of security personnel and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Task Force to remove unauthorised structures being rebuilt at Kofikrom, a squatter settlement in Avenor within the North Industrial Area, after a recent devastating fire.
The structures, consisting of upright wooden posts, horizontal beams, and supporting braces, were erected in rows, with some partially enclosed using wooden planks, while most remained unroofed.
The operation was aimed at preventing the reconstruction of wooden structures in the area to facilitate the redevelopment of the community with permanent block buildings and essential social amenities.
Speaking during the exercise, the Mayor expressed disappointment over the decision by some of the squatters to disregard earlier directives and reconstruct temporary wooden structures despite assurances that permanent block buildings would be provided under a planned redevelopment project.
Mr. Allotey warned the squatters to desist from erecting any new structures in the area stressing that the Assembly would not allow the proliferation of unauthorised wooden structures, particularly in an area where a previous fire outbreak had resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
The Mayor announced that plans were underway to construct permanent block buildings for the affected residents as part of efforts to improve their living conditions and prevent a recurrence of the disaster.
He said contractors had already been deployed to the site to undertake measurements and other preliminary activities ahead of the commencement of construction works.
According to him, the development would include the provision of electricity, borehole water supply and streetlights, which would be made available free of charge to enhance the comfort, safety and well-being of residents.
He further announced that a tarred one-way access road would be constructed within the community to improve accessibility, facilitate the movement of vehicles and ensure unrestricted access for emergency response services.
The Mayor noted that the proposed interventions were intended to transform the settlement into a more organised and safer residential environment while addressing the infrastructural challenges that had previously exposed residents to fire outbreaks and other hazards.
