Spending billions of cedis on Cathedral over Saglemi Housing project unacceptable – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticised President Akufo-Addo for abandoning the Saglemi Housing project started by his administration.

Mr Mahama says the President’s decision to abandon the project and yet spend billions of cedis on the controversial National Cathedral is unacceptable.

In a Facebook post on Monday, August 7, the NDC flagbearer said the Akufo-Addo government just decided to abandon the project merely because it was started by his (Mahama’s) administration.

According to him, the Akufo-Addo government prioritised their own parochial interests instead of prioritising the interests of the ordinary Ghanaian.

“It is unacceptable for Akufo-Addo to spend over half a billion cedis on a national cathedral project that has ultimately failed due to corruption and is now abandoned, yet refuses to commit funds to complete a housing project that will benefit thousands of Ghanaian families.”

“Knowing the NPP government, they did not want to complete the Saglemi housing project simply because it was initiated by John Mahama and an NDC administration.”

“Leaders must always prioritise the well-being of their citizens and ensure that they benefit from government resources and projects, regardless of who initiated them.”

He thus said President Akufo-Addo’s comments that the government is not getting the needed funds to complete the project is humiliating.

“The misplaced priorities of a government that claims it is unable to raise money to complete the Saglemi housing project and yet is willing to spend half a billion cedis on the largest civil excavation in Africa is a humiliating slap in the face of Ghanaians who entrusted Akufo-Addo with their mandate.”

“Just think about the countless number of Ghanaian families who could have had decent living conditions over the past 7 years and the individuals who could have had a place to truly call home in Saglemi,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo recently defended his government’s decision to begin a new housing project rather than continue with the Saglemi Housing project started by the erstwhile John Mahama administration.

Works on the Saglemi Housing Project which began in 2016 have stalled after the government said the project was not in the best interest of Ghanaians.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony in Accra on Tuesday, August 1, for works to begin on the National Affordable Housing Project which will see to the construction of some 8,000 units with the support of the private sector, President Akufo-Addo said the government would have incurred more debt in an attempt to complete the Saglami Housing Project.

“We are aware of the delays and setbacks encountered during the execution of this project. The issues about the scope of work and the money expended on the Saglemi project have been taken to the Criminal Investigations Division of the Ghana Police Service for investigation which has resulted in criminal judicial proceedings.”

“However, in the meantime, to forestall the project from deteriorating the Minister of Works and Government has actively engaged government, cabinet, the Ministry of Finance and the office of the Attorney General on the completion of the project.”

“It has been established that in addition to the $198 million already expended on the project, the government has to raise additional funding to the tune of $46 million to complete the infrastructural works, that is water, electricity, and drains to mitigate flooding.”

“Further, $68 million is required to complete the buildings and other essential onsite infrastructure works like the waste holding bay, sewage treatment plants and the development of socioeconomic and civic infrastructure such as basic school, clinic and shops,” he stated.

Source: myjoyonline