THE Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has directed occupants of the Kaiser Flats at Tema Community 4 to vacate the deteriorating structures, describing the buildings as death traps unfit for human habitation.
He said the continued occupation of the buildings posed a serious risk to lives, stressing that the government would not be held responsible for any casualties should the structures collapse.
Mr Adjei gave the directive on Wednesday during a working visit to housing projects being undertaken by the TDC Ghana Ltd., in Tema.
The visit formed part of efforts to assess progress of ongoing developments aimed at addressing the country’s housing deficit.
The Minister noted that despite several engagements by TDC management with tenants to relocate, many occupants had refused to move, even after being offered alternative accommodation at the Kpone Affordable Housing site.
“I have asked the TDC to formally write to the 45 people currently living in the facility, based on the structural assessment, that it is not right for any human being to live in those buildings,” he said.
According to him, tenants who refused to relocate would be required to sign documents indicating that they were staying at their own risk.
“If something happens, they cannot blame government or anyone. They would have taken that decision themselves,” he added.
Mr Adjei expressed concern that some families were living in the structures with their children, warning that the situation could lead to tragedy if urgent action was not taken.
He urged the occupants to prioritise their safety and accept the relocation offer, stressing that “life is more important than any reason they may have for staying.”
The Minister indicated that although TDC planned to construct new residential units near the area, the project could take up to two years to complete, making it unsafe for residents to remain in the existing buildings, especially while construction is ongoing.
Prior to the minister’s visit, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr Dennis Nartey, had tasked the Tema Metropolitan Disaster Management Committee, headed by Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ms Ebi Bright, to assess and evacuate residents occupying the deteriorating Kaiser Flats to avert a potential disaster.
He said the structural condition of the buildings had worsened to a dangerous level, warning that even a minor earth tremor could trigger a collapse and endanger lives.
“We identified one hazard at the Kaiser Flats. It is a disaster waiting. The inaugurated committee should look at how fast we can evacuate those living in those dilapidated structures because at the slightest tremor, that building could come down,” he stated.
However, residents have resisted the relocation, insisting that they legally acquired the flats and should not be treated as squatters.
They argued that they had invested heavily in maintaining the ageing structures due to neglect by TDC, and described the eviction as unfair and distressing.
The residents also rejected the proposed relocation to the Kpone Affordable Housing enclave, citing smaller room sizes, disruption to their livelihoods, and the likelihood of longer commuting hours for workers and schoolchildren.
Over the years, residents had been served with eviction notices by TDC, the most recent having been issued in January this year, leading some to vacate while others remained.
FROM STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG, TEMA
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