The opposition in Parliament has vehemently opposed the government’s proposal to collaborate with a private developer to address the issues surrounding the Saglemi Housing Project.
This stance follows the revelation by the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, that an estimated $100 million is needed to make the area suitable for occupancy.
During a visit to the project site on Tuesday, Oppong-Nkrumah outlined the government’s plan to engage a private partner within five weeks.
“I gave instructions to the technical working group that within the next five weeks, it should go ahead with an international expression of interest that is designed to attract private developers who can come in and complete this project for us so that we can put it to use.”
However, the Ranking Member on the Works and Housing Committee, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, expressed reservations, alleging that the government aims to transfer the Saglemi Housing Project to its political allies.
Asamoah further criticized the current administration, stating, “the only thing is that they just want to reduce the price, and then they will sell it to their cronies. They are saying, Oh, we are bringing in partners here, and at the end of it, it is their people that are going to come in.”
He further criticized the current administration, claiming, “If you go out there, all state lands and every property are going for sale under the NPP administration. Every property, landed property, is going for sale. Let’s see the end of the NPP administration, and we will see the rot,” citinewsroom.com quoted him.
Initiated in 2012 during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s tenure, the Saglemi Housing Project aimed to build 5,000 housing units.
However, the project has been embroiled in controversy, with allegations of financial mismanagement leading to its suspension.
“I gave instructions to the technical working group that within the next five weeks, it should go ahead with an international expression of interest that is designed to attract private developers who can come in and complete this project for us so that we can put it to use.”
“The only thing is that they just want to reduce the price, and then they will sell it to their cronies. They are saying, Oh, we are bringing in partners here, and at the end of it, it is their people that are going to come in.”