Agbogbloshie, also known as “Sodom and Gomorrah,” is a district of Accra and is considered one of Africa’s largest garbage dumps. Millions of tons of electronic waste end up here every year, which the residents examine for recyclable rye materials (mainly iron, copper and aluminum). The area consists of three parts, separated by the Odow River. On the west side, bordering the Gulf of Guinea is the informal settlement of “Old Fadama,” built on one of Accra’s largest informal markets. About 40,000 people live in this area, most of whom are drawn from rural areas. Near the industrial area, on the east side of the river, is the main garbage dump, mostly inhabited. On the north side of the river is another inhabited part next to a large settlement. E-waste and all other wastes and brackish water flow directly into the river, creating a highly alarming environment for residents. E-waste residues from the incineration process polish the air and drip into the ground, dioxins settle in the air and enter people’s food cycle, causing severe health problems.
At the MAGA initiative’s request, MANDU | architexture developed a vision for the sustainable development of Agbogbloshie and implemented a master plan. The objectives of the master plan are to regenerate and detoxify the entire area, build a naturally healthy environment, develop a sustainable and innovative African urban model, ensure as well as create jobs, design housing, and ensure growth based on a sustainable business model.
The first step is to clean up the rivers and surrounding areas and the garbage dumps. Thus, natural, sustainable and decentralized sanitation technologies in collaboration with Swiss institutes specialized in sanitation technologies are the most effective as a reference for the Agbogbloshie project. The Live-With-Water project has achieved successes, as well as the modular construction of the Oua_Casa concept.
