The John Mahama government’s newly announced plan to build 50,000 housing units for teachers has reignited public debate over Ghana’s long-delayed affordable housing projects, with many drawing comparisons to the stalled Saglemi Housing Project.
Critics argue that the 50,000-unit housing promise, made by Haruna Iddrisu, Education Minister mocks the abandoned Saglemi multi-million-dollar housing project, which remains incomplete years after its launch.
Some days ago, Haruna Iddrisu, announced plans by theJohn Mahama government to construct 50,000 housing units for teachers across the country.
According to Haruna Iddrisu, the efforts form part of the government’s move to improve accommodation conditions and encourage teacher retention, particularly in rural communities.
Haruna Iddrisu named the initiative as the Teacher Dabre Initiative, a Mahama government programme designed to provide decent housing facilities for teachers and address challenges associated with inadequate accommodation.
Speaking at the Accountability Series on Monday, July 20, Haruna Iddrisu stated, “We intend to construct 50,000 housing units for teachers all across the country. It is led by the District Assemblies Common Fund in order that we want to decentralise it at the regional and district level”.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Education would provide additional support to ensure the project becomes a reality.
He also disclosed that the government was close to finalising arrangements for a 20% allowance for teachers who voluntarily accept postings to rural areas.
“Apart from the 20% allowance for persons who are self-posting into rural areas, we are almost through,” Mr Iddrisu stated.
However, following the proposed new housing project, questions are being raised about the old wounds of the Saglemi housing project.
The Saglemi Housing Project which was initiated under the NDC government in 2012 with a $200 million loan, and was designed to deliver 5,000 residential units to help bridge the country’s housing deficit.
The project stalled due to funding irregularities, contractual controversies, and legal disputes, leaving about 1,506 units partially completed and deteriorating.
According to reports, the Saglemi Housing Project was originally planned to deliver 5000 affordable housing units at US$200 million.
However, with about US$195.85 million, representing 98% of the project funds, spent on the project as it currently stands at the site today.
Technical assessment by the Ghana Institution of Surveyors valued the work on the ground at only US$64.98 million, although almost US$196 million had been spent.
Despite the US$196 million already spent, the site has no functional sewerage system, no storm drainage and other critical infrastructure, making the houses effectively uninhabitable. It is estimated that a further sum of US$114 million will be required to complete the project.
Haruna Iddrisu’s lastest announcement of the Mahama government planned to build 5000 units of houses have reopen Ghanaians old wounds about the Saglemi Housing Project which has the 1,506 units left to rot for years over the funding irregularities, contractual controversies, and legal disputes.
In recent times, the Ministry of Works and Housing has assured that plans are well advanced for the completion of the Saglemi Housing Project.
Speaking during a visit by the Vice President, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, to the Ministry on, February 5, the Sector Minister, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei stated, “There has been an issue of a housing deficit of about 1.83 million units, and some of the initiatives we are pursuing to bridge the gap include completing affordable housing projects,” he said.
“So far, 800 units of the affordable housing project are being developed progressively by TDC, and we have advanced arrangements in place to complete the Saglemi Housing Project with a selected developer.
“Very soon, we will sign the agreement. The matter is currently at the AG’s Department for finalisation. Once that is done, we will sign and see the contractor on site,” he added.
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Minister of Education Reveals Government Plans to Build 50,000 Houses for Teachers#Peacefmnews pic.twitter.com/fh3y3A9E9V
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