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Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, Minister of Works and Housing, says the government has created a thoughtful master plan for the Pokuase Housing Project.
The government does not want this initiative to experience the same setbacks as the other housing projects, according to the sector minister.
On Tuesday, August 1, Mr. Asenso-Boakye announced during the project’s kickoff in Pokuase that the Pokuase Housing Project has undergone the essential viability and feasibility testing to ensure a smooth start and completion.
“Unlike the previous efforts, this revised programme stands out, as distinct and exceptional in multiple ways. This distinction arises primarily from the valuable insights gained from our past experiences, inspiring our commitment to approach things the right way, this time.”
“When I assumed office in 2021, we took the decision to undertake a comprehensive review of the public housing profile. This review led to the development of a revised framework, which consist of two (2) parts: the supply-side and the demand-side.”
“On the supply-side, the government will provide free unencumbered land and associated infrastructure, after which the private sector will be invited to construct the housing units for its subsequent sale at an agreed selling price, he said.
The Bantama lawmaker added that President Akufo-Addo is determined to finishing all housing projects started by earlier administrations.
According to Mr. Asenso-Boakye, the government is currently taking the necessary actions to resurrect the Saglemi Housing Project and other initiatives that ran into serious difficulties.
He gave Ghanaians the reassurance that the current administration is committed to creating affordable housing for ordinary Ghanaians.
“In 2006, under the leadership of President John Agyekum Kufuor, government launched an Affordable Housing Programme which aimed to construct 5000 housing units in six (6) different towns over a five-year period. Unfortunately, despite the noble intentions, the project did not yield the anticipated outcomes, due to challenges in project conception and funding.”
“However, significant steps have been taken by government to complete some of the projects, including completed ones at Asokore Mampong in the Ashanti region, Borteyman and Kpone in the Greater Accra region, while the others are being given the due consideration.”
“Similarly, in 2012, under the leadership of President John Evans Atta Mills, and later President John Mahama, the NDC Government also initiated the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, with the intention of addressing the country’s housing needs. Regrettably, this project also encountered fundamental challenges, which halted the project due to various factors. Government is taking the necessary steps to revive the project.”
“These projects did not progress as expected, primarily, because it failed to consider the entire ecosystem involved in the delivery of housing, such as the availability of land, infrastructure, sustainable funding, building materials, and an inclusive demand-side arrangement,” he added.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com/Nana Kwaku Boffah
