Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has disclosed that private companies, including Duraplast and Ash Foam, will fund the proposed housing project at Kofikrom-Avenor. The initiative aims to provide permanent structures for occupants who lost their homes in a recent fire outbreak. The project will not be financed by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) or the government. Instead, the companies have agreed to support the project as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
The fire outbreak at Kofikrom-Avenor left some occupants displaced, prompting plans to replace the existing makeshift structures with more organised and permanent accommodation. Mayor Allotey explained that after engaging the companies, he concluded that providing permanent structures and improving the site's infrastructure would be a practical way to address the situation and restore order. The project will include covering the drains and tiling the entire area.
The companies, Duraplast and Ash Foam, also suffered losses as a result of the fire, making their support for the housing project a form of CSR. Mayor Allotey noted that he had engaged the Presiding Member of the Assembly to ensure proper supervision of the project. A successful implementation could serve as a model for similar interventions in other areas.
The initial plan was to provide accommodation for about 500 people, although the number could be increased depending on the project's progress. Mayor Allotey emphasised that finding alternatives for people who have been taken off the streets is crucial. He stated that it is impractical to leave them without a place to go.
Work has already begun on covering the drains as part of efforts to improve conditions at the site. The project follows a fire outbreak at Kofikrom-Avenor, which left some occupants displaced. The AMA Mayor's initiative aims to provide a more organised and permanent solution for the affected residents.
However, the project has been put on hold pending further consultations over disputes involving claims of ownership and possession of the land. Despite this setback, Mayor Allotey remains committed to finding a solution for the displaced residents. He defended the decision to start the project, citing the emergency nature of the situation.
The Kofikrom housing project is a significant initiative aimed at providing relief to those affected by the fire outbreak. With the support of private companies, the project has the potential to serve as a model for similar interventions in other areas. Key stakeholders will continue to engage in discussions to resolve the disputes and ensure the project's successful implementation.
Key points
- Private companies, including Duraplast and Ash Foam, will fund the proposed housing project at Kofikrom-Avenor.
- The project aims to provide permanent structures for occupants who lost their homes in a recent fire outbreak.
- The initiative has been put on hold pending further consultations over disputes involving claims of ownership and possession of the land.
