Accra, April 25, GNA - Almost two months after the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) had compelled occupants of some flats at the Sakumono Estate to vacate their abode to enable it to rehabilitate the structure that had developed deep and gaping cracks, SSNIT is yet to start work on Block B14.

A letter signed by Mr Kofi Ampong, the Head of Properties Management Department, to the occupants stated that "Kindly note that the six months statutory notice given you to vacate the flat will end on 5th March, 2006."

"We will therefore be grateful, if in your interest, you could give the Trust vacant possession of your flat on or before 6th March, 2006 to enable us commence the rehabilitation of Block B14.'' The "statutory vacation notice" was given in October 2005. An occupant of one of the flats told the GNA that he and his colleagues obeyed SSNIT's directive absolutely and moved out of the flats even before the deadline.

"We rented private homes and paid huge rent advances because we did not want to stall the rehabilitation works by delaying our departure. But sadly, nothing has started. I was at the place yesterday and it was as quite as a cemetery."

"We are worried because if the rehabilitation is not completed on schedule to enable us move back, what it means is that we have to top up the rent advances we had paid and we still pay rent to SSNIT." He wondered why work has not yet started because SNNIT was forceful in getting them out of the flats and showed the GNA a letter they received from SSNIT in December last year.

The letter stated that "In view of the imminent danger to life and property, we wish to advise that you take the notice to vacate the flats seriously and if possible move out immediately before the six months period given you.''

A visit by the GNA to the block confirmed what the occupant had said. The place was silent. Some of the occupants of nearby flats said since their colleagues vacated the flats in March "nothing has happened." "No contractor has moved to the site and we wonder what is happening. We thought work would start immediately they moved out. Paying rent twice a month - to SSNIT and to private landlords - is not pleasant. We appeal to SSNIT to tackle the problem with the urgency it deserves. ''