Seventy-eight housing units, which forms part of the Dumase resettlement project in the Prestea-HuniValley Municipality of the Western Region is to be converted into temporary accommodation facilities for residents of Appiatse.
The new arrangement between the government and developers of the resettlement project, Future Global Resources Limited (FGR), was aimed at offering protection to the residents from the expected heavy rainfall in the coming months.
Currently, the residents of the community, which was razed down by an explosion on January 20, were being housed in a tents camp.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel AbdulaiJinapor, said work on the temporary accommodation facilities, scheduled to commence next week Monday, would be completed within 30 days.
This came to light when the Minister led an entourage including members of the Appiatse Reconstruction Committee to interact with the residents and seek their inputs in the redevelopment plan.
He noted that the Forestry Commission had been directed to urgently supply all the needed wood for roofing, doors and windows for completion of the 78 housing units which had been developed to the lintel level.
“We are urgently redirecting all efforts towards making the temporal accommodation ready to house and protect you from the harsh weather conditions from the rain,” Mr Jinapor said.
Touching on the reconstruction of Appiatse, he noted that, the project had commenced in earnest with the demolition of the land and the production of blocks with the 6,000 bags of cements donated by sections of the public.
While government focuses on making available the necessary resources for the reconstruction, the Minister said there was the need for communal labour and partnership to ensure its success.
This, he stated, would also ensure enough resources for the restoration of livelihoods which were lost as a result of the fatal incident.
“While government plays its role, I appeal to the people of Appiatse to support and own the reconstruction efforts through communal labour.
It also means some of the funds will be saved and directed towards restoring lost livelihoods. Co-operation from you will be required to make this work possible,” Mr Jinapor added.
Allaying the fears of the residents on the designation of housing units upon completion of the project, he said the Ministry would ensure equity and fairness.
Chairman of the Appiatse Reconstruction Committee, Benito Owusu-Bio, who is also the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, said the temporal accommodation structures afforded the committee enough time to execute the project effectively.
Nana Atta KwadwoBremebi II, Divisional Chief of Bepoh, asked the residents to avoid speculations and rumours that could disrupt the flow of work and remain patient while supporting the project.
One of the residents, Joseph Appiah, urged the government to prioritise the provision of support to restore their sources of livelihoods.
FROM CLAUDE NYARKO ADAMS, APPIATSE
