Gov’t to Revive Saglemi Housing Project – Oppong Nkrumah

The Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has revealed that the government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent process in selecting a private developer to complete the abandoned Saglemi Housing project.

According to him, about ten international and local companies have shown interest in bidding for the project on July 8. Once the bids are submitted, they will be reviewed by an independent evaluation entity.

“Two hundred million dollars was secured by the previous government for five thousand (5,000) housing units; one thousand five hundred and six (1,506) were partially completed, and that is what we see at Saglemi. Three major components were missing: water, electricity, and sewage works. When the Ghana Institute of Surveyors did their assessment, they said we needed one hundred million dollars to complete this one thousand five hundred and six. And government took a decision that, within the difficult financial constraints, it was very difficult to find that extra one hundred million dollars after two hundred million dollars had been spent,” he emphasized.

Hon. Oppong Nkrumah further stated that cabinet has taken a decision to select a private developer and let them make the investment to make it operational. He hinted that some investors have been taken to the project site and have had the opportunity to inspect the works done so far.

This entity is responsible for preparing a report, based on which the government will take a final decision on selecting one of the bidders through cabinet approval and hand over the project or sign a contract with the entity.

The Minister assured the government’s efforts to revive the Saglemi housing project and also assured the public of transparency concerning the bidding and selection process of the entity.

Story by Nana Kwaku Boffah.