The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured residents of Appiatse that the government remains fully committed to delivering permanent housing for all remaining displaced families following the tragic 2022 explosion.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony to mark the commencement of Phase Three of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project, the Minister reflected on the devastating explosion of January 2022, noting how the tragedy united the entire country in solidarity with the affected community.
While acknowledging that the completion of the first two phases provided modern housing for many families, Hon Armah-Kofi Buah admitted that those still without permanent structures could hardly celebrate the progress achieved so far. He reassured the public that the government is determined to bring total closure to the housing crisis in the town.
The third and final phase of the reconstruction exercise will see the erection of 69 additional housing units. Addressing grievances raised by the community over structural choices in earlier phases, the Minister confirmed that contractors will use standard cement blocks instead of earth bricks, while expanding room dimensions to offer more spacious living quarters for beneficiaries.
Also present at the ceremony, the Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley, Hon Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, highlighted the ongoing demand for accountability. He urged Maxam, the mining explosives firm involved in the incident, to fulfill its obligations regarding insurance payouts and full compensation for all affected victims.
Adding his voice to the community’s demands, the Divisional Chief of Bepoh, Nana Kojo Atta Brembi, appealed to the government to include a new chief’s palace in the redevelopment plans. He noted that although the original palace was destroyed in the blast, neither Phase One nor Phase Two accounted for its replacement.
The traditional ruler further appealed for the construction of a Junior High School to build upon earlier foundational work on compensation and infrastructure undertaken by the previous administration. He pledged the full support of traditional authorities and local residents to ensure the smooth execution and completion of the final project phase.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
