Accra Mayor announces plans to build residential housing complex for Avenor fire victims

Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has revealed intentions to build a residential housing complex for residents of Kofikrom, a squatter settlement in the North Industrial Area affected by a devastating fire. The new project aims to provide single-room accommodation for the displaced residents, replacing the majority of their current wooden homes.

With support from corporate institutions, the development will incorporate permanent block structures, streetlights, pathways, enhanced sanitation facilities, and tarred access roads.

During a visit to the community to assess the ongoing debris removal, Mayor Allotey announced that the accommodation would be provided to the residents without charge. He emphasized that the units would not be rented out or sold to beneficiaries, as the land on which the settlement sits is government property. The fire, which recently ravaged Kofikrom, destroyed numerous makeshift structures, including sections of Duraplast industrial facilities.

The incident has further underscored the urgent need to address the living conditions and safety concerns of the community's residents. Reflecting on his personal experiences as a child growing up on the streets, Mayor Allotey emphasized his empathy for those living in challenging circumstances, stating, "Street no dey forget street."

He underscored the significance of the proposed housing development in providing residents with more secure and dignified living conditions while improving the overall environment in which they reside.

The project seeks to replace the existing makeshift settlement with permanent structures and basic infrastructure, including improved roads, lighting, and sanitation. As authorities continue to clear debris from the affected area following the fire, the proposed housing complex is now being presented as part of a comprehensive, long-term response to the conditions that have left the community susceptible to such incidents.