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Blasting activities by Nag Fairmount Constructions Limited, the contractor handling the Kasoa-Winneba road expansion project, have once again caused significant damage, this time in Dabenyin, located in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region.

Extent of Damage

The blasting, which occurred on Monday, sent rock debris flying into nearby residential areas, damaging several buildings.

  • A 16-bedroom apartment, which was fully completed, and a two-bedroom apartment under construction were among the worst affected.
  • The roofs of several buildings were punctured by flying rocks, leaving gaping holes that have exposed residents to the elements.

This incident comes weeks after a similar blasting in Buduburam, which tragically led to the loss of lives. However, no casualties were recorded in the Dabenyin incident.

Residents Express Frustration

The affected residents are calling for immediate action and accountability from the construction company and authorities.

Kwadwo Amoah, a resident, described the damage to his property:

“We have leaks in the roofs of all six rooms, and the house on the other side with five rooms has damaged roofing sheets. I reported the matter to Dominase Police Station, and they advised me to contact NADMO due to the severity of the issue.”

Mr. Amoah, who recently spent GHS25,000 to replace his roof, insists that the company must take full responsibility.
“I don’t want them to just patch up the damage. They should replace the entire roofing so we can all have peace.”

Albert Appiah, another affected resident, mentioned that he had approached the construction company for repairs but had yet to receive a response.

Issah Rahman recounted how a stone penetrated his roof and ended up in his bedroom:

“My wife called my attention to the incident, and we traced the stone to where it had pierced through the roof.”

NADMO’s Response

The Gomoa East Metropolitan Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has completed its assessment of the incident.

In an off-camera interview with Channel One News, Robert Nana Hackman, NADMO’s director in the area, assured residents that compensations for the damages would soon be addressed.

He also noted that medical bills for victims of the Buduburam blasting on October 14, 2024, had been covered. However, compensation for property owners affected by the Buduburam incident remains pending.

Concerns Over Recurring Incidents

This latest incident has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols employed by Nag Fairmount Constructions Limited during blasting activities.

Residents in the affected areas are demanding:

  1. Improved safety measures to prevent future incidents.
  2. Prompt compensation for damaged properties.
  3. Accountability from the company and local authorities.

The Dabenyin community, like others affected by similar incidents, is left grappling with the aftermath of unchecked construction practices, as residents await decisive action to safeguard their lives and properties.

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