Pink 96.9 fm your life, your music
Accra is facing bad settlement problem which has lead to creation of slums.
Recently due to overpopulation Ghana is facing settlement problems especially in Accra. The big question is why and how come?
This situation is because of improper planning. The country authorities are failing to control and ensure good environmental planning.
Further the authorities in charge of settlement do not ensure that people build at proper places. There are no strict regulations backing these activities. People normally come from rural areas to settle in Accra.
This is due to the high unemployment rate in Ghana. Also because of insufficient resources in the rural areas. Hence they move into the urban cities.
Further because of lack of affordable, decent and secure shelter for the low-income population. It’s generally accepted that there’s a housing crisis in the Ghanaian capital. This crisis was instigated by the withdrawal of the state as an active provider of housing.
About 45% of Accra residents live in some form of slum housing. These overcrowded places have limited access to pipe-borne water and poor sanitation facilities.
This helps create slums. People also construct buildings around gutters. In worst situations they build around waterways causing serious environmental problems. They also build around refuse dumps leading to health problems.
Also in certain situations when authorities ask individuals to remove or stop building they do not heed to this advice. In the same vein land sold to people is without proper authorization.
This in effect leads floods and destruction of life and property. This leaves a big question on Ghana’s development.
Authorities should ensure proper authorization before building construction. Builders should get permit before building to help the better Ghana agenda.
Story by: Cindy Anang/ pinkfmonlinegh.com