Story By: Haruna Babangida / 14/05/26
The Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Alhaji Abubakari Kamal, has disclosed that 88 weak and dangerous buildings have so far been identified and marked for demolition in Sekondi.
Speaking in an interview with Haruna Babangida on the Melody Breakfast Show on Melody FM on Thursday morning, the NADMO Director said the exercise forms part of efforts to prevent disasters and protect lives and property within the metropolis.
According to him, the Assembly, in collaboration with engineers and technical experts, is carefully assessing structures to ensure only buildings deemed unsafe are selected for demolition.
“We are working with engineers to make sure the right houses are identified for the exercise,” he stated.
Alhaji Kamal explained that engagements have already been held with stakeholders concerning the exercise. However, he admitted that some owners of the affected buildings are yet to be traced and engaged by authorities.
When asked whether owners of demolished buildings would be compensated, the NADMO Director answered in the negative. Instead, he revealed that affected owners could rather be surcharged after the demolition exercise.
He therefore urged owners of weak and deteriorating structures to either renovate them immediately or voluntarily pull them down before authorities move in.
The NADMO Director stressed that the organisation’s responsibility goes beyond responding to disasters and providing relief items after emergencies.
“Our office is not only for response and relief after disasters, but also for prevention,” he emphasized.
The planned demolition exercise is expected to target structures considered dangerous to public safety, especially as the rainy season approaches.