Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Lands and Forestry, and Chairman of the Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Team, Benito Owusu-Bio, has reassured victims of the Appiatse explosion of handing over a modern green community as expected.
The Deputy Minister maintained that, in spite of not meeting timelines, “government is not just building houses, we are creating a modern green community with all amenities like good drainage systems, roads, markets among others to bring Appiatse back to life”.
He gave this assurance when some members of the reconstruction implementation team paid a site visit to Appiatse, to among other things, inspect the progress of work.
After a careful examination of work at the site, Mr Owusu-Bio charged the project consultants, AESL to pay close attention to the detailing of the houses and ensure that external works like the drains and roads should continue, when the rains subside. However, he stated that wiring and plastering of rooms should proceed.
Furthermore, Mr Owusu Bio explained that buildings that were partially destroyed will be assessed and rebuilt to their former state.
“Damaged roofs and windows which were adversely affected will be repaired”.
Benito Owusu Bio
Additionally, the deputy lands minister took the opportunity to debunk the false information of completion of the project in 3 months, while urging the people to exercise patience to allow the smooth progression of the project.
On his part, Mr. Charles Blankson-Hermans, a member of the ARIT Committee also tasked AESL to urgently address roadworks and landscape to magnify the outlook of work as well as construction of the market, memorial and stores.
Consultants, AESL, on the other hand, assured the Deputy Minister and team that all instructions will be taken into consideration and implemented soon.
Redevelopment of Appiatse community
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Appiatse Support Fund, Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, has announced that the redeveloped township is expected to be commissioned in just three months’ time.
The reconstruction efforts have been commendable, with a total of 540 units of houses earmarked for construction.
According to Rev Aryee, these houses range from one-bedroom to seven-bedroom homes, catering to the diverse needs of the community. She indicated that what makes this endeavor truly special is the active involvement of community members who were integral to the redevelopment process.
“We’ve come quite far, and I really am looking forward to us commissioning it in at least the next three months. The team worked very hard. What should have taken two years, usually when you’re planning some of these things, you have to go to the community and talk to the people, that took a long time, the design also took a bit of time.”
Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee
Also, she noted that the reconstructed houses boast of multiple new structures, including verandas, toilet facilities, and kitchens. These additions, she stated, elevate the living conditions for the residents and contribute to the overall improvement of the community.
“Most communities had one-bedroom, two bedrooms, and it’s just one room or two rooms – no distinction. What we’ve tried doing is to give at least a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, a toilet and a veranda.”
Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee
It will be recalled that the Appiatse Support Fund was commissioned on 27th January 2022, just a week after the disastrous explosion, to mobilize funds for the reconstruction project. The impressive scope of the project encompasses 540 units of houses, providing a new sense of hope and renewal to the affected residents.
Moreover, in addition to the housing developments, the ambitious reconstruction plans include building a modern market and establishing a robust road network for the community. These vital infrastructure additions will contribute significantly to the prosperity and growth of the township.
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