Newly constructed staff bungalows of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) in Dambai are facing an imminent bushfire threat as they remain surrounded by tall, dry weeds amid the harmattan season.
A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the site revealed that the bungalows, completed more than three years ago, have not been occupied and are poorly maintained, with no visible fire prevention measures in place.
The overgrown vegetation around the buildings poses a serious fire risk, particularly during the dry season when bushfires are common in the area.
Residents nearby expressed concern that a single spark could result in a devastating fire, destroying the facilities and endangering surrounding properties.
The bungalows, which represent a significant government investment aimed at improving accommodation for regional staff, remain unoccupied largely due to the absence of electricity and other essential utilities, rendering them uninhabitable.
Sources within the ORCC told GNA that despite the availability of the newly built accommodation, some key government officials, including the Chief Coordinating Director, are reportedly renting private residences at the expense of the state.
According to the source, the situation has sparked growing public concern about value for money and the apparent neglect of public assets, especially at a time when resources are limited.
Some residents of Dambai called on the ORCC and relevant authorities to urgently clear the weeds, install basic utilities, and ensure the bungalows are occupied to prevent further deterioration and security risks.
They also urged the Regional Coordinating Council and the Oti Regional Fire Service to collaborate to implement immediate fire safety measures to safeguard the buildings.
As the harmattan season intensifies, stakeholders warn that failure to act promptly could result in the loss of the facilities, further raising questions about asset management and accountability in the region.
