The Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye has urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as well as other players within the built industry to ensure strict compliance with development controls that are instituted to check unsightly neighbourhood blights and ultimately address the challenges posed by rapidly changing built environment.
The sector Minister observed that poor development controls as well as proliferation of illegal structures and developments have threatened the integrity and sustainability of communities, ultimately undermining the efficient allocation of resources by government and most importantly the safety of citizens.
The Minister made these observations at the 2023 Induction Ceremony of newly admitted Architects today in Accra.
To address this menace effectively, Asenso-Boakye called for active participation of all stakeholders, namely architects, urban planners, builders and importantly, MMDAs in ensuring adherence to building regulations, and preventing illegal structures.
It will be recalled that the Ministry of Works and Housing recently spearheaded a comprehensive review of Building Regulations L.I. 1630 of 1996, owing to the fact that the existing regulations had become outdated due to the swift urbanization trends and their associated impacts.
The Minister, therefore, urged all MMDAs to capitalize on the opportunities provided by the new Building Regulations designed to equip them with the necessary tools to effectively address the challenges posed by rapidly changing built environment.
“The new Building Regulations serve as a powerful resource to enhance your ability to monitor and regulate developments, ultimately preventing the haphazard growth associated with rapid urban developments.” The Minister added.
Acknowledging the crucial role of resources for MDAs to successfully undertake their responsibilities, Asenso-Boakye indicated the need for government to commit to the provision of financial and technical resources to better combat unwanted issues of illegal structures and substandard developments.