The Quarm-LMI Consortium, the government-appointed developer tasked with completing the long-stalled Saglemi Housing Project, has announced its ambitious plan to deliver over 1,500 housing units within 400 days.
This bold commitment aims to make the units available for sale to the general public, addressing Ghana’s pressing housing deficit and reviving hopes for a project that has been riddled with challenges for years.
In a recent interview with the media, Kofi Adabor Ofori-Amanfo, Managing Director of the Quarm-LMI Consortium, outlined the approach his team would take to ensure the project meets modern safety and quality standards. One of the primary steps will involve conducting structural integrity tests on the existing buildings. These tests will determine whether the buildings, many of which have been left exposed to the elements for more than seven years, can safely accommodate future residents.
Speaking after a courtesy call on the Ningo Traditional Council, Mr. Ofori-Amanfo detailed the necessity of these tests and the subsequent re-engineering that would follow. He explained that some areas within the project site have been particularly vulnerable to flooding, and others have suffered extensive weather-related damage. Addressing these challenges, he emphasized, is crucial to ensure that the housing units do not pose risks to their future occupants.
“Tentatively, we are looking at around 400 days to ensure that the entire site is completed and ready for sale to the public,” Mr. Ofori-Amanfo stated. “Currently, we have inherited the shell structures, and some of them will undergo structural integrity tests to ensure we do not present society with something that might fail over time.”
The Saglemi Housing Project, initially conceived as a flagship initiative to tackle Ghana’s growing housing needs, has had a tumultuous history. Initially planned to provide affordable housing for lower- and middle-income families, the project suffered significant delays due to mismanagement, financial irregularities, and political controversies. As a result, construction was halted, leaving the buildings in various stages of completion and abandonment.
The consortium’s efforts to revive the project have been met with cautious optimism. For many Ghanaians, the announcement represents a renewed opportunity to address the country’s housing deficit, which has been estimated at over two million units. The Saglemi Housing Project, when completed, could significantly reduce this deficit while setting a precedent for future public-private partnerships in the housing sector.
The challenges associated with the project’s revival are substantial. Years of neglect have left the structures vulnerable to the elements, with some buildings showing signs of deterioration. Flood-prone areas within the site present an additional layer of complexity, requiring comprehensive drainage and infrastructural improvements. Despite these hurdles, the consortium remains committed to delivering a high-quality housing solution that meets international standards.
“Our goal is not just to complete the project but to ensure that it stands the test of time,” Mr. Ofori-Amanfo remarked. “This development has been neglected for too long, and we are determined to breathe new life into it. We are employing advanced engineering techniques to address the site’s challenges and make it a safe, sustainable environment for future residents.”
The Saglemi Housing Project holds immense potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the Ningo-Prampram district and beyond. Once completed, the housing units are expected to attract a diverse mix of buyers, ranging from young professionals to families seeking affordable living options. The project could also stimulate local economic activity, creating jobs in construction, maintenance, and related sectors.
The consortium’s focus on quality and safety has also been praised by stakeholders, including the Ningo Traditional Council. Their endorsement highlights the importance of the project not only to the local community but also to the broader national agenda of reducing Ghana’s housing deficit.
Beyond its immediate impact on housing, the successful completion of the Saglemi Housing Project is expected to boost public confidence in government-led initiatives. It will serve as a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can overcome challenges and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The housing sector in Ghana faces numerous challenges, including rising costs of construction materials, limited access to affordable financing, and a growing urban population. Projects like Saglemi demonstrate the potential for innovative solutions to address these issues. By ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in its execution, the Quarm-LMI Consortium is setting a benchmark for future developments.
The 400-day timeline reflects the consortium’s confidence in its ability to overcome the obstacles posed by the site’s current condition. This ambitious schedule underscores the team’s dedication to meeting the needs of Ghanaians who have waited years for this project to materialize.
The government’s decision to appoint the Quarm-LMI Consortium as the project’s developer has also been viewed as a strategic move to inject fresh momentum into the initiative. With a track record of delivering complex projects, the consortium is well-equipped to handle the scale and scope of the Saglemi Housing Project.
Once completed, the project will not only provide much-needed housing but also serve as a symbol of resilience and innovation in Ghana’s housing sector. For the thousands of Ghanaians who have been waiting for affordable housing options, the Saglemi Housing Project represents a glimmer of hope—a promise of stability, security, and a better future.
As work begins, the consortium’s commitment to transparency and quality will be closely monitored by stakeholders and the public alike. The successful delivery of the Saglemi Housing Project could mark a turning point for Ghana’s housing sector, paving the way for similar initiatives across the country.
The countdown has begun, and the nation will be watching as the Quarm-LMI Consortium embarks on this transformative journey. If the consortium can meet its ambitious goals, the Saglemi Housing Project will not only fulfill its original promise but also inspire confidence in the potential of Ghana’s housing industry to deliver on its commitments.
