Squatters living along the railway line near the Odaw drain in Accra have resumed rebuilding wooden structures under the GRIDCo high-voltage pylons.
The redevelopment started this January following previous reconstruction restrictions by the city authorities after a devastating fire in the area in June 2024.
The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) had issued warnings and restrictions on construction under its pylons following the fire outbreak on June 5, 2024.
The fire ravaged wooden structures along the railway line near the Odaw drain
The fire caused extensive damage to GRIDCo’s 161KV Achimota to Accra Central Transmission line, leading to power outages in Adabraka, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and surrounding areas.
After the fire, GRIDCo explained that the intensity of the fire caused parts of the high-voltage line to burn and snap.
To help prevent risks of electrocution, the affected line was isolated, disrupting power transmission.
The incident also necessitated extensive repairs, which GRIDCo expedited to restore normal power supply.
The fire on that day started around 5:30 PM and engulfed the entire enclave, which housed several wooden structures.
Firefighters battled the blaze as residents watched their homes and businesses reduced to ashes.
Reconstruction and Change of Policy
Prior to this January, residents were restrained from rebuilding the wooden structures due to safety concerns and GRIDCo’s insistence on the importance of protecting the high-voltage lines.
The area was considered a high-risk zone, unsuitable for habitation or business activity.
However, since the change of government on January 7, a noticeable shift in enforcement has allowed for rapid redevelopment of the area.
The reconstruction has not only resumed but has also extended further along the railway line, raising questions about the enforcement of GRIDCo’s safety protocols and urban planning regulations.
