The Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has assured Parliament of the government’s efforts to double down on various interventions to tackle perennial flooding and water shortages ahead of this year’s rainy season.
He also expressed the commitment of the government to solve the housing deficit and the impact of coastal erosion on vulnerable communities.
“We have a well-though-out planned interventions aimed at strengthening infrastructures, protecting vulnerable communities and improving living conditions for our people all over the country,” he said.
Appearance before committee
The minister gave the assurance when he appeared before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament last Thursday, where he answered questions that bothered on perennial flooding, acute water shortages, housing deficit and sea erosion.
He outlined the various interventions being put in place by his ministry and other supporting institutions to implement some comprehensive plans to address housing deficit, flooding, acute water shortages and sea erosion.
That was after the committee, chaired by Dominic Nitiwul, had raised concerns about delays in fulfilling some assurances given by the government and various district assemblies to solve perennial flooding, acute water shortages, housing deficit and sea erosion.
Preparedness ongoing
He said that currently, preparations were underway to enhance coordination and response towards the next rainy season.
He told the committee that dredging works would be carried out in flood-prone areas such as the Kwesimintsim enclave in the Western Region.
“This work will be executed in collaboration with the Hydrological Services Department once the necessary funding is released,” he said.
Expanding affordable housing
With regard to tackling housing challenges, the minister said the government was more determined to solve Ghana’s housing deficit.
He told the committee that various state agencies had embarked on various housing projects across the country.
For instance, he said the Tema Development Corporation had rolled out new housing projects in the Volta Region, while the State Housing Company would soon construct affordable housing units at Dedesua in the Ashanti Region.
“In addition, the government has begun piloting District Affordable Housing scheme projects in at least eight districts as part of a nationwide strategy to expand access to housing.
He also announced that a draft Rent Bill would soon be reintroduced in Parliament to strengthen the legal framework governing rental housing and address gaps identified in earlier proposals.
Saglemi Housing Project
Touching on the Saglemi Housing Project, which had stalled for years, Mr Adjei informed the committee that the government had secured a transaction agreement with a strategic investor to restart the project.
He disclosed that about $200 million had already been invested in the project.
“I believe that the ongoing negotiations will pave the way for the completion and eventual allocation of the housing units,” he gave an assurance.
The minister pointed out that the effort to restart the project began under the previous administration.
“So, we are pursuing this further with the same transaction advisor to ensure the project delivers the intended benefits,” he said.
Water supply
In relation to acute water shortages, the minister admitted that there were currently unresolved challenges affecting water supply in parts of the country, particularly issues relating to high turbidity levels in water sources.
He blamed the situation on negative environmental and human activities that continued to impact water quality.
He, however, said the government had intensified steps to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to help address the challenge.
Source:
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