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In spite of recent allegations made by former President John Dramani Mahama that the Saglemi housing project has been abandoned for political reasons, the administration is dedicated to finishing it, according to Francis Asenso-Boakye, the minister of works and housing.
The minister claimed that President Akufo-Addo recently launched a new housing project in Pokuase and reaffirmed this commitment.
The housing project was put on hold by the Akufo-Addo administration, according to former president John Mahama, because it was started by the NDC, the main opposition party.
He claims that the decision to cancel the project was made in an effort to waste tax payer dollars on the now suspended National Cathedral project.
The Works and Housing Minister, however, asserted that the government is actively taking the required actions to guarantee the project’s completion.
The minister disclosed that the government is thinking about including the private sector in the implementation of the Saglemi housing project to address the difficulties it is facing.
The cabinet met three times to discuss the project’s complexity and financial difficulties before making this choice after serious deliberation and significant consultation. The conclusion reached was that involving the private sector would present the most practical means of guaranteeing the project’s successful completion.
Asenso-Boakye went into more detail regarding the government’s financial study. Despite a nearly $200 million initial investment, the Saglemi project still needs a sizable amount of extra cash. For the development of off-site infrastructure, including things like water, electricity, and drainage systems, about US$46 million is required.
In addition, an extra US$68 million is needed to finish on-site tasks like finishing the sewer system, fixing the existing apartments, and providing civic facilities, among others. In addition to the money previously spent, this increases the total additional costs to an astounding US$114 million.
The minister acknowledged that he has taken proactive measures to keep the Saglemi project going in light of the current legal dispute around it.
He had asked the Attorney General’s office for permission, and it had been given, enabling the government to move forward with the necessary measures to assure the project’s eventual completion. This showed how committed the administration was to keeping its pledge to revive the Saglemi housing project.
Asenso-Boakye highlighted that the choice to start a new housing project in Pokuase is a component of a novel strategy including cooperation with the private sector for housing development.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
