Gov’t will not abandon previous governments’ projects-Veep

Tema, March 12, - Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has given the assurance that the Government would continue the infrastructural projects started by the previous governments to ensure Ghanaians enjoy the full benefits.

He said the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government would tackle the housing projects head-on, in order to address the housing deficit, which is estimated at GH₵1.7 million in the country.

He said government would soon roll out the National Barracks Regeneration programme that would invest in the rehabilitation and upgrading of the living quarters of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) across the country.

Vice President Bawumia gave the assurance when he commissioned the Phase Two of the Security Services Housing Scheme at the Eastern Naval Command, in Tema New Town, on Monday.

The housing project, estimated at the cost of GH₵101 million, started in 2014, and comprised 23 blocks made up of 368 apartments.

Out of the 23 blocks, eight are three-bedroom flats, while 15 blocks comprised two-bedroom flats.

There are other ancillary facilities such as multi-purpose sports facility and a playing ground for personnel and their families.

Vice President Bawumia noted that, the completion and commissioning of the project marked the beginning of the overall development and modernisation of the facilities of the GAF, which would contribute positively to the morale and “esprit-de-corps” of the security services.

The Vice President said government had already paid GH₵38 million out of the GH₵45 million outstanding amount required for the completion of the project and assured that, the remaining amount would be settled soon.

He said the project was the first planned naval barracks in the country, which would go a long way to address the accommodation challenges.

“The Government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has a good plan for the housing needs of our security personnel.

“The plan is anchored on an overall commitment to improving the living conditions of our security personnel.

“So thankfully the project was not abandoned, and we have to make sure that this is the way governance continues.

“As the President has said, when one government starts a project, the next one should not abandon it; try and complete it,” Dr Bawumia stated.

The Vice President assured the security agencies of government’s resolve to provide them with decent accommodation to enhance their operational efficiency.

“We’re currently engaged in discussions for the construction of about 10,000 houses and court structures for the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service and the Judicial Service,” he said.

Vice President Bawumia said government would re-initiate and continue the Affordable Housing Projects, which was started in 2007, during the erstwhile President John Agyekum Kufour’s administration at Wa, Tamale, Koforidua, Asokore, Mampong and at other places to reduce the housing deficit.

GNA