68 victims of Appiatse explosion face off with Reconstruction Committee over delayed project

The 68 victims of Appiatse phase three are demanding their monies instead of waiting for the rebuilding of their homes, especially with the general elections looming

Meanwhile the divisional chief of Bepo Nana Kojo Brembi the second has expressed his deep disappointment with Benito Bio, Chairman of the Appiatse Reconstruction Committee, after being told to meet with landowners for proper negotiations.

The 68 victims of the Appiatse disaster’s phase three have been protesting and demonstrating, seeking resolution. These 68 individuals had their houses and land used for the expansion of the first phase of the reconstruction.

In response, Benito Owusu Bio, chairman of the Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Committee, announced on September 17, 2024, that the final phase would commence in October 2024.

In a surprising turn of events, Nana Ata Kojo Brembi II, chief of Bepo, ordered a halt to the Appiatse Reconstruction project, despite engineers being on-site and ready to begin work due to a land ownership dispute, with Chief Brembi asserting the land has been sold. This development jeopardizes the project’s timeline and the well-being of impacted residents.

“The traditional leaders have been very supportive following the disaster by giving them lands for the construction of the resettlement. We haven’t even managed to fully replace those whose lands we took so if they need more land, they will have to pay”.

“I was unaware of the start of the phase 3 until I saw some excavation works ongoing. So I asked the Okyeame to ask them to stop since they have to sit with us to negotiate with those whose lands will be affected for them to pay before the project can start”. Nana Kojo Ata Brembi stated.

Nana Kojo Brembi expressed his deep disappointment with Benito Bio, Chairman of the Appiatse Reconstruction Committee, after being told to meet with landowners for proper negotiations.

“When I heard that Benito is allegedly saying that it is Nana who has lost a community and if he will not give us the land then he should leave it”, Honestly, I was pained cos you can’t go and do this anywhere”.

“That a traditional leader gives you land for phases one and two of redevelopment and you won’t go and see him but sit somewhere and send a message that if Nana says he won’t release land for the phase 3, he should leave it.

Beneficiaries of Appiatse phase three are growing impatient with the government’s reconstruction efforts and are now demanding for their monies instead of waiting for the rebuilding of their homes, especially with the general elections looming.

Joseph Abu is the secretary for phase three victims. He said “We, the 68 victims, are demanding our money back. We purchased land, built homes, and now face uncertainty due to disputes between the reconstruction committee and the chief over allocating land for us. We don’t understand why it’s so difficult for them to return our funds, especially since kind-hearted individuals contributed to help us rebuild. If the money is available, give it to us”. He noted.

Eric Quainoo a victim of the phase three also stated that “As victims, we’re saying: if you’re not ready to build houses now, just give us our money so we can build our own homes. After all, we’ve taken initiative on our own. Rev. Joyce Aryee, please consider our plight and assist us.”

On Saturday, November 2, a visit to the relief camp revealed a dire situation for the remaining 68 victims of the Appiatse disaster. The borehole, initially dug to provide them with water, has become contaminated, exacerbating their plight.

“When you pump the water initially, it’s very clear like sachet water but after some time in the bucket it turns dirty.”

The victims reported that the water emits a potent stench, making it impossible to use even for bathing, let alone drinking.

“It leaves a stench after bathing with it so we are pleading, they should just come and build our homes for us”

Despite ongoing reconstruction efforts, some injured individuals from the Appiatse disaster continue to face significant challenges. Many are still struggling to cover their medical expenses and are urgently calling for financial support to aid their recovery.

“Now I am half blind and need to go for monthly checkups. My son also complains of pain in the ribs, but we can’t seek medical care because of money. We are suffering”

“I am suffering. I can’t go for my monthly checkups. As I speak, my child has qualified for SHS but I can’t afford for her to go. We are unable to go for loans again because we are unable to pay back” they Mentioned.

 

The post 68 victims of Appiatse explosion face off with Reconstruction Committee over delayed project first appeared on 3News.

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