The Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye has hinted that the Ministry of Works and Housing will engage the Ministry of Finance for possible retention of a percentage of rent paid by public sector workers residing in Government accommodation for maintenance of the facilities.
The Minister who was on a working visit to government owned bungalows and flats within Roman Ridge, Airport, Cantonments and Latebiokoshie Nkrumah flats, expressed worry over the state of dilapidation following poor maintenance culture.
He explained that rent paid by public sector workers go directly into Government’s Consolidated Fund. Hence, part of the money should be reserved for the Ministry for purposes of maintenance.
“Most of these facilities are not in a good state, as we all can see. We intend to engage the Ministry of Finance on ways to keep them habitable,” he stated.
He asserted that the Public Works Department (PWD) some years back had the task of maintaining and keeping these properties in shape but added, that it has become difficult to follow procedure due to financial constraints.
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry is in the process of establishing a National Housing Authority which would provide regulatory oversight of the housing sector.