The government’s commitment to rebuilding the Appiatse community is on course as work is steadily progressing. A total of 6 contractors are working on the project.
Mr. Benito Owusu-Bio, the Deputy Minister in charge of Lands and Forestry and the Chairman of the Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Team (ARIT), addressed the media recently while on a visit to the reconstruction site. He provided an update on the progress made, revealing that the first phase of construction will cost about GH₵45m. The second phase will cost 80m, allowing for the marginally impacted homes, which will simply require minor roofing and improvements.
He said. “As you can see, the majority of the contractors are working on the substructures, which are made of regular blocks. However, others are working at the foundation level and footing level. We will soon be at the flowing level with brickworks to hopefully start in five weeks. This is where we are in the construction process right now.”
According to him, the compressed earth bricks that will soon be utilized for the buildings’ top structures are consistent with the government’s vision for a rural town that is eco-friendly, sustainable, and green and will serve as an example for other rural communities.
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The project to rebuild the Appiatse community receive assistance from some government agencies
Hon. Benito also told the media that the cooperating government agencies have been helpful thus far. He cited among other things, the Electricity Company of Ghana‘s donation of a transformer to the site. Benito also stated Getfund‘s signing of an agreement to build the community school.
The Roads and Highways Ministry was urged to start building the road networks so that contractors could operate freely. He nevertheless urged other government departments that have not yet joined the fray to do so immediately.
He gave the citizens of Appiatse the reassurance that the team would keep visiting the site and monitoring the contractors. To make sure the structures they were erecting were of high quality while pressing them to expedite work.
In his remarks, Benito made reference to a plea from Appiatse victims that demanded compensation and a structural integrity study.
He clarified, “My only responsibility is to rebuild the Appiatse community. Compensation is outside of my purview, but I’m confident the relevant authorities will take it up. You can be assured that we will complete the tasks we have been given to complete.”
