Accra Mayor Announces Housing Complex for Avenor Fire Victims

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced plans to construct a residential housing complex for residents of Kofikrom, a squatter settlement at Avenor in the North Industrial Area, following a fire that destroyed several makeshift structures in the community.

The proposed project will provide residents with single-room accommodation to replace the predominantly wooden structures currently used as homes. According to the mayor, the housing project will be undertaken with support from corporate institutions and will form part of efforts to transform the settlement into a safer and more organised residential community.

The proposed development is expected to include permanent block structures, streetlights, walkways, improved sanitation facilities and tarred access roads. Speaking during a visit to the community to inspect the ongoing removal of debris, Mr Allotey said the accommodation would be provided to residents free of charge.

He stressed that the units would neither be rented out nor sold to beneficiaries, noting that the land on which the settlement sits remains government property.

The fire recently swept through parts of Kofikrom, destroying several makeshift structures and also affecting adjoining industrial facilities, including parts of Duraplast. The mayor said the incident had further highlighted the need to address the living conditions and safety challenges confronting residents of the settlement.

Drawing on his personal experiences growing up on the streets, Mr Allotey said his background had shaped his understanding of the difficulties faced by people living in deprived communities. "Street no dey forget street," the mayor told residents, underscoring his personal connection to the challenges confronting people living in vulnerable conditions.