Ghana has made a significant stride in addressing its ongoing housing and flooding issues with the launch of the Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024.
The three-day event, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, was officially inaugurated by the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. During the ceremony, he also introduced the Ghana Hydrological Fund, a vital initiative aimed at reducing flood risks and improving water management throughout the country.
Speaking to a diverse audience of government officials, industry experts, and development partners, Minister Oppong Nkrumah stressed the urgent need for sustainable funding to effectively combat Ghana’s flooding challenges, announcing a GH¢1.5 million seed fund.
Also Read: 2017 arrest: I was stripped naked by BNI officials – Nana Yaa Jantuah
“The government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, has allocated 1.5 million Ghana Cedis as seed money for the fund,” he announced.
He urged all stakeholders, including development partners, to contribute to the fund’s success, emphasizing its role in speeding up essential projects such as drainage construction and dredging.
The Minister highlighted the severity of Ghana’s flooding problem, particularly during the rainy season, which is worsened by inadequate drainage infrastructure and the increasing impact of climate change. He revealed that only 2% of the drainage channels in the Greater Accra Region that need concrete lining have been addressed, showcasing the urgent need for comprehensive action.
He explained that the fund aims to provide a structured financial mechanism to expedite necessary projects like drainage construction and dredging, helping to address the country’s flooding problems head-on.
In addition to flooding, Minister Oppong Nkrumah addressed Ghana’s housing deficit, which currently stands at 1.8 million units. He acknowledged challenges in affordable housing programs due to funding limitations and project delays, worsened by unfinished projects from previous administrations.
The Minister advocated for strong public-private partnerships, offering incentives to private developers to undertake large-scale affordable housing projects.
During the three-day BENCHH 2024 conference, discussions will cover regulatory reforms and the establishment of a Works Inspectorate Unit to ensure adherence to building and safety standards. The Ministry aims to present comprehensive reports on government initiatives, achievements, and challenges, seeking input from stakeholders on innovative approaches.
also Read: Nearly 1.8 billion adults at risk of disease from not doing enough physical activity
Minister Oppong Nkrumah expressed confidence in the outcomes of BENCHH 2024, highlighting the potential of collaborative efforts to drive tangible progress in Ghana’s built environment sector. He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute their expertise towards crafting actionable strategies that comprehensively address the nation’s housing and hydrology challenges.
