LIFE AT SODOM AND GOMORRAH

This is the biggest settlement in Ghana called Old fadama also known as Sodom & Gomorrah.


LIFE AT SODOM AND GOMORRAH

Old Fadama, is the largest informal settlement in Accra and perhaps the whole of Ghana. Old Fadama is home to about 30,000 residents living in one of the most precarious conditions in Ghana. The residents are under the threat of forced evictions without alternate accommodation. The Government of Ghana is executing a project in the area called-Korle Lagoon Ecological Restoration Project (|KLERP) The KLERP has necessitated the removal of the residents from the area. The KLERP is very important for two reasons-Control and flow of storm water in the whole of Accra and Improving the Drainage system in Accra. Although the KLERP is considered important, what is lacking is Inadequate provision for a well –integrated or community managed relocation or upgrading strategy. These considerations need to be explored. These strategies can indeed be found through a partnership between – SDI , PD Ghana, AMA ,Residents and Government of Ghana.

There are about twenty (20) savings groups in old fadama with total membership of close to 3000. Total savings is about thirty million cedis (¢30,000,000.00) approximately (US 3,200 Dollars).
Peoples Dialogue and the Emerging federation leaders have started exploring the possibilities of opening discussions and negotiations with the Ashiedu Keteke Sub Metropolitan District of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

The emerging federation leaders are clear on their minds that, they need to cooperate with the AMA and Government. PG has focused on building strong peoples processes and negotiation skills of the urban poor to begin talking towards a negotiated solution. The residents through the federation activities have developed the necessary skills and mindset to Dialogue and negotiate with the AMA and Government. SDI, People's Dialogue and the Residents are committed to supporting the City and Government around relocation, resettlement, in-situ upgrading, voluntary movement and other alternatives to evictions.

Female head carriers at work in old Fadama, Accra like most old settlements of Accra, Agbogbloshie is a formal settlement but has degenerated into a slum. One of the largest foodstuff markets in Accra is located in the area. Narrow and twisted roads, poor sanitation, wooden structures, and lack of environmental and health requirements characterize the area. The Agbogbloshie savings group was started in April 2004 and has about150 members with total savings of about nine million cedis (US 1000 Dollars) who are saving to address the problems identified above.

At the edge of Agbogbloshie resides the Railway Slum Dwellers. They are also saving to find solution to their insecure tenancy and the looming Forced Evictions. Human beings living dangerously near railway line in Agbogbloshie, Accra

Avenor is yet another formal settlement that has degenerated into a slum. Poor sanitation, insufficient basic facilities and flooding are the major challenges that PD is supporting the residents to address. The Avenor savings group was started in April 2004. It has total membership of about 210 people and total Savings of about ten million cedis (US 1,100 dollars).