Slums within the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) are to see an upgrade by the end of the year, the Mayor of Accra, Mr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije has said.

According to him, there are ongoing discussions between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure a total upgrading of communities in the capital.

Speaking on Citi FM, Mr Vanderpuije noted that areas such as Nima, Momobi, Kotobabi and Sodom and Gomorrah are part of the Assembly’s agenda for an upgrade.

On the issue of Sodom and Gomorrah, he said progress had been made to bring sanity to the area, noting that, it would  be unlawful to “go in and bulldoze my way through Sodom and Gomorrah.”

He added that following meetings with the Chiefs of Adjei Kotoku, plans have been made to move the commercial activities at Sodom and Gomorrah to Adjei Kotoku by the end of February.

Dredging of Korle Lagoon

Mr Vanderpuije said dredging of the Korle Lagoon have been hindered by the activities of residents along the lagoon, coupled with delays from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

That notwithstanding, he said the residents had agreed to move 100 meters away from the lagoon.

He noted that the Assembly was yet to conclude on what to do to with residents of Sodom and Gomorrah.

“Discussions are on-going as to what to do with residents at Sodom and Gomorah. It is a decision that is not left to AMA alone because there are financial implications involved. There is an ongoing discussion between AMA and Ministry of Works and Housing to lead them to a permanent position,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Vanderpuije hinted that dredging of the Korle Lagoon will resume in February.