Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has emphasized the importance of completing the Saglemi project to address Ghana’s significant housing deficit of 1.8 million units. On Monday, July 8, the Ministry received five bids from private developers to resume work on the long-stalled Saglemi Housing Project.
The bids were submitted by Afro Arab Properties Ltd, Quarm-LMI Consortium, Dredge Masters-Titanium, Broll Ghana Ltd, and Masiltin Group. The Minister expressed his commitment to transparency and fairness in the selection process, with the Public Procurement Authority assisting in choosing an independent evaluation entity.
The successful developer will be tasked with completing 1,506 units and essential infrastructure, including electricity, water, and sewage systems. The Saglemi housing units project was initiated in 2012 by the John Mahama-led government, with a $200 million loan securing the construction of 5,000 affordable housing units.
However, as of 2017, only 1,506 units were built but not completed, and the project stalled due to legal issues after the NPP government took over. The government has now resolved to complete the project, and in April, a request for proposal was made inviting private sector participation.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah assured that the Ministry is working with the Public Procurement Authority to ensure a transparent process. The selected independent evaluation entity will submit an evaluation report, which will be published online along with the bids received, in accordance with the Right to Information Act.
The Minister emphasized that the housing units currently lack essential services like electricity, water, and sewage systems, but the government is committed to redeveloping and handing over the units for use. Completing the Saglemi project is vital for addressing Ghana’s housing deficit, and the Ministry is dedicated to seeing it through.
The receipt of bids marks a significant step towards completing the project, and the Minister expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their dedication and service. The selection process is expected to be completed by close of business on Wednesday, and the independent evaluation entity will begin work shortly.
The completion of the Saglemi project is expected to provide relief to Ghana’s housing crisis, and the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness is encouraging. The project’s resurrection is a testament to the government’s dedication to addressing the housing deficit and providing affordable housing options for citizens.
The completion of the Saglemi project is a significant step towards addressing Ghana’s housing deficit, and the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness is commendable. The project’s success will provide much-needed housing units for citizens and contribute to the country’s development.
