AMA builds permanent housing for Kofikrom fire victims

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has begun round-the-clock construction of permanent single-room housing units at Kofikrom in Avenor to provide safer accommodation for residents displaced by a devastating fire that claimed two lives.

The project is progressing, with 10 rooms reaching lintel level and more than 100 others advancing through the early stages of blockwork.

The Mayor of Accra, Mr Michael Kpakpo Allotey, announced this during a working visit to the site on Monday to inspect the progress of construction. He said the first phase was expected to be completed within one week.

During the visit, the mayor inspected the ongoing works, interacted with workers and urged the affected residents to participate in the construction process to help ensure timely completion.

The project seeks to replace the makeshift wooden structures previously occupied by squatters with more durable block buildings to improve living conditions and reduce the risk of future fire outbreaks.

Mr Allotey said the decision to work around the clock was intended to speed up construction and provide permanent accommodation for the affected residents as quickly as possible.

He added that the Assembly planned to improve the settlement by providing essential amenities, including free electricity, borehole water and streetlights, to enhance residents’ safety and comfort.

The housing project follows a fire outbreak at Kofikrom in the North Industrial Area that destroyed several wooden structures, displaced residents and killed a mother and her daughter. The fire also affected parts of nearby industrial facilities, including Duraplast, raising concerns about the safety of residential structures close to industrial installations.

Following the incident, the Assembly cleared burnt structures, debris and other obstructions to prepare the area for redevelopment.

The mayor was accompanied by the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Mr Douglas N. K. Annorful, and the Metropolitan Finance Director, Mr Abeiku Amissah.

The redevelopment is expected to provide safer housing for affected residents and create a more organised settlement with improved basic services.