Forty-eight engineers regiment of the Ghana Army have been contracted by the Tema Development Company Limited to demolish four dilapidated structures at Kaiser flat in Tema.
The move is to make way for the company to pull down those ramshackle structures, which pose danger to residents and rebuild them to meet the country’s housing deficit.
This was made known when TDC held a public forum with Kaiser and Sergico residents in Tema on Saturday ahead of the pending demolition exercise.
Addressing the residents, Ian Okwei, protocol and administrative officer of TDC, stated that his outfit will strictly follow the right procedure for the demolition of structures.
Some of the procedures, he mentioned, include hording of the entire area, salvaging of removable items, controlled demolition of building at floor stage, haulage of debris and removal of foundation, as well as compartment of the entire area.
He appealed to the residents to bear with TDC during the exercise because of the possible inconveniences it might create.
Also in attendance were personnel from NADMO, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana National Fire Service, Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and GLICO Insurance took time to explain their involvement in the entire process and insurance package to the residents.
The assembly member for the Horticulture Electoral Area appealed to authorities to organise a health screening exercise for the residents after the demolition as a result of the dust which could cause respiratory effect for the residents.
However, the residents called for assessment of nearby blocks after the demolition exercise to know their status.
They also requested for the provision of a dedicated complaint contact so the residents can report any issue during the exercise for prompt response and regular interaction between TDC and the residents for technical support towards the maintenance of the existing flats.
Recently, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) declared the four blocks as a disaster in waiting. NADMO followed up to evacuate the occupants to avert any future disaster in case the building caves in.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema