Safety measures improved at Makola shopping mall

Security has been intensified at the Makola Shopping Mall in the central business district of Accra, days after work on the project was stopped over the death of a trader .

The victim, Miss Juliana Akweley Mensah, 28, a mother of two, was struck by a flying object at the construction site by the roadside.

The Acca Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) last Thursday, directed the contractor to review security measures at the site in order to continue work on the project by Monday, May 30, 2016.

Some of the security measures they have adopted include engaging a private security firm to direct movement of persons around the site as well as put up warning signs at vantage locations.

Meanwhile, the AMA Chief Executive, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, visited the site on Monday as a follow up to last Thursday's meeting.

A statement signed by Numo Blafo III, Public Relations Officer of the AMA, urged the public to exercise some care and follow the instructions and signs around the project site.

“It is the hope of the Assembly that everyone will cooperate with the security personnel on hand who will be directing pedestrians to ensure that no hawking activities are conducted around the periphery of the construction site,” the statement added.

Below are the security measures adopted:
1. Employment of Site Safety Officer to oversee general safety of the site

2.Posting of extra warning notices/signals around the general construction site;

3. Deployment of personnel of newly-engaged security company to provide assistance to members of public on safety issues around the construction site. Their work schedule include but not limited to the following:

3.1. Physical on-site visibility to serve as a first-line deterrent/check to unauthorized approach/access by unauthorized person/s

3.2. Direct person/s who unwittingly trespass on the limits of the construction site by politely showing them alternative routes

3.3. Remedy or cause to be remedied any weaknesses/defects/unauthorized changes found in the physical barriers placed around the site

3.4. Politely evict or cause to be evicted any unauthorized person/s who attempts to settle for any reason, commercial or non-commercial, within the zones of exclusion as indicated by warning notices and/or signals expressly placed around the site;

4. Provision of covered walk-way within the walk zones defined by the pedestrian right-of-way to protect general public from any accidental falling objects;

5. Provision of extra layer of safety netting around the general construction site;

6. Enhancement of safety awareness of all site workers through daily drills and checks;

7. Provision of extra Personal Protection Equipment to all workers on site

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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin