After months of anticipation, the reconstruction of the Appiatse community which was razed by an explosion some months ago has commenced in earnest.
The Honorable Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Chairman of the Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Team, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio disclosed that the team, after a series of processes has been able to secure approval from the Public Procurement Authority (Authority) to allow contractors to commence work on site.
He noted that so far, 5 contractors have moved to the site and work has begun to restore the lives of the people of Appiatse, naming them as, Fineness Elevation Limited, Savanna Grande Company Limited, Builders Company Limited, MegaTech Plus Engineering Solutions Limited, MackSams Limited and Mc Castro Company Limited.
As part of his working visit to Appiatse on 1st September 2022 to abreast himself with the progress of work on the reconstruction of a green and modernized community, the Chairman of the Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Team, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio engaged the various contractors at the site on how to conduct themselves as they go about their duties
Addressing the contractors, the Deputy Minister instructed that as the construction works have begun and as a matter of urgency, they should ensure that a good number of security men are seen on site to deter intruders from trooping in and out of the site and also ensure the safety of their workers at the site.
Insisting on safety, the Deputy Minister asked that while on-site, the contractors ensure that their labourers abide strictly by the safety protocols as and when necessary. “For instance, everybody must be in a helmet, you make sure they have safety boots and those who do not go by these should be quarried to deter others from doing same.”
He also tasked each of the contractors to ensure proper and clear demarcation of their plots with caution tapes so as to prevent possible accidents and also erect small signboards on their lots to avert clashing of contractors and for easy identification.
To ensure proper sanitation on site, Hon. Benito asked that provisions be made for water, toilet facilities and other basic amenities which he said will also help to avoid delays and complaints from the workers.
He inquired about electricity for the site as he said the brick making will require power for the machines to be operational, adding that “once the electricity comes, ensure that strict lights are set in place and please make sure it is effective and enough” He charged the project manager.
He also requested that the Rural housing team ensure that their machines get to the site at the earliest possible time. “The next time we come, we have to come and see your machines Moulding the bricks, we will not accept any excuses”
Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio reiterated the government’s commitment to building a Green and model Community, explaining that it is in the light of this green community concept that the government will be employing the brick system for the structures.
He also engaged some of the Appiatse natives who have joined the contractors as labourers, thanking them for their effort and encouraging them to do their best for the good of their community, while urging the contractors to step up work as the team’s next visit will be the official sod cutting ceremony.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
