The government has developed a well-thought-out master plan for the Pokuase Housing Project to avert similar setbacks of previous housing projects.
The project, which is an 8000 housing units, will be in two phases. The first phase comprises 4000 housing units to be constructed in 18 months while the remaining 4000 housing units will also be completed in the same time frame.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the commencement of the project at Pokuase yesterday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo disclosed government decided to begin a new housing project rather than continue with the Saglemi Housing project because of the additional burden that will impose on the government coffers.
He explained that in addition to the $198 million already expended on the Saglemi project, the government has to raise additional funding to the tune of $46 million to complete the infrastructural works. That is water, electricity, and drains to mitigate flooding.
Back and forth
“We are aware of the delays and setbacks encountered during the execution of this project. The issues about the scope of work and the money expended on the Saglemi project have been taken to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation, which has resulted in criminal judicial proceedings,” the President said.
“However, in the meantime, to forestall the project from deteriorating, the Minister of Works and Government has actively engaged government, Cabinet, the Ministry of Finance and the office of the Attorney General on the completion of the project,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo added: “Further, $68million is required to complete the buildings and other essential onsite infrastructure works, like the waste holding bay, sewage treatment plants and the development of socioeconomic and civic infrastructure such as basic school, clinic and shops.”
President Akufo-Addo noted that based on the assessments, and having taken into account the project location and viability, Cabinet directed the Minister of Works and Housing to explore the possibility of exposing the Saglami housing project at the current value to the private sector to complete at no further cost to the government.
Feasibility
The sector Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the Pokuase Housing Project had been taken through the necessary feasibility and viability needed for smooth take off 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,” he explained.
“When I assumed office in 2021, we decided to undertake a comprehensive review of the public housing profile. This review led to the development of a revised framework, which consists of two parts: the supply side and the demand side,” he added.
