Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor has revealed that the first phase of the reconstruction of Apiate into a modern community is about 40% complete.
Mr. Jinapor said this during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, stating that the first phase includes the construction of 124 housing units, a school block and construction of roads.
“Following the tragic Apiate incident on 20th January 2022, government committed to reconstructing the community into a modern, green and sustainable community as a module for rural development in our country.
“Construction began last year and the first phase of the project is about 40% complete. This phase includes the construction of 124 housing units, made up of 2 to 7-bedroom houses, a school block with sanitary facilities and the construction of roads within the community.”
“106 of the housing units and a 6-unit classroom block are at different stages of completion, with some being roofed as we speak,” he said.
He added that government has targeted moving the victims back to the community before the end of the year.
“We are hoping to move the victims of this tragic incident from their temporary accommodation back to the community before the end of the year.”
Also, the minister said “the recommendation of the health and safety committee established after the incident, chaired by the Vice Chancellor of George Paa Grant University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Professor Richard Amankwaa being implemented and has led to a lot of reforms in the sector.
“A comprehensive review of the regulations on explosives, the minerals and mining explosives regulations (2012), LI 2177 has also been completed and will soon be laid before parliament.”
