The Quarm LMI Consortium, developers of the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, has assured the public that the recent fire outbreak at the project site did not affect any housing units or critical documents. This clarification comes after widespread speculation that the incident might have derailed progress on the long-abandoned project.
The fire, which broke out on December 26, was reportedly caused by labourers clearing weedy sections of the site. According to the developers, the fire spread beyond its intended area, engulfing external warehouses that contained expired building materials. However, the housing units remained untouched, and no significant setbacks to the project’s timeline are anticipated.
During a site tour with the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Managing Director of Quarm LMI Consortium, Kofi Adaboh Ofori Amanfo, provided further details about the incident. He explained that the fire originated from efforts to clear the site for redevelopment.
“So, I think yesterday around 1 o’clock, we had our labourers working on the campsite, as you saw it when you came here,” Amanfo stated. “Since we arrived here in November, we started clearing the campsite to prepare for actual development. Some labourers set a small fire to clear the weeds they had gathered. Unfortunately, they couldn’t control it, and it spread to one of our external warehouses, which went up in flames. That’s when the fire station at Sege intervened to help us extinguish it.”
He further emphasized that the fire did not affect any of the housing units. “It’s really not the houses, as I said earlier. It was the storage area at our campsite. Behind me, you can see the houses—none of them were touched. We haven’t even started working on them yet, so there’s nothing happening there,” Amanfo clarified.
The incident drew attention to the Saglemi project, which has been plagued by delays and controversies since its inception. The project, initially intended to provide 5,000 affordable housing units, has faced criticism over cost overruns, delays, and alleged mismanagement. The current developers were brought on board to revive and complete the project, offering renewed hope to prospective beneficiaries.
Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah used the opportunity to commend the consortium for their efforts and urged them to maintain their focus on delivering the project within the agreed timelines. He stressed the importance of adhering to building codes and safety standards to ensure the success of the project.
“In accordance with the various instruments, like the building code and the site layout itself, do your best to comply,” the Minister advised. “You’ve given us timelines by which you expect to complete this project; do well to stick to those timelines. We’ll wait for the fire department to give us an update on what may have been destroyed in the old shed that was affected by the incident.
“But I’m happy to see that, contrary to the story that the housing project has been burnt down, it’s still here, intact. It’s the old shed with old materials in there—two of them, and then two containers that caught fire. At least, that gives us some comfort. So, carry on with your work,” he added.
The fire department at Sege is expected to provide a detailed report on the extent of the damage to the affected warehouses and the materials stored within them. While the incident may have caused temporary disruption, the developers have assured stakeholders that it will not impede the overall progress of the project.
The Saglemi Affordable Housing Project holds significant promise for addressing Ghana’s housing deficit. Its completion is eagerly anticipated by many Ghanaians who have long awaited the availability of affordable housing options. The assurance from the developers and the Minister of Works and Housing that the project remains on track is a relief to those who feared the fire might have caused irreparable damage.
The Minister’s visit to the site also served to reinforce the government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success. By closely monitoring developments and maintaining open communication with the developers, the Ministry aims to prevent further delays and ensure the project’s timely completion.
As work continues, the developers have pledged to implement stricter safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes better oversight of labourers’ activities and improved protocols for clearing vegetation and other preparatory tasks.
The Saglemi project, once completed, is expected to set a benchmark for affordable housing in Ghana. It represents a crucial step toward addressing the country’s housing challenges and providing quality homes for low- and middle-income earners. Despite the setbacks and controversies that have surrounded it, the project remains a symbol of hope and progress for many.
The developers and the government are optimistic that the project will reach completion within the stipulated timelines, delivering on its promise of affordable housing for Ghanaians. With renewed focus and commitment, the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project is poised to become a landmark achievement in Ghana’s housing sector.
The fire outbreak, though unfortunate, has not dampened the resolve of the stakeholders involved. Instead, it has highlighted the need for vigilance and adherence to safety standards in all aspects of the project’s execution. As the developers continue their work, the public remains hopeful that the Saglemi project will soon transition from a site of potential to a thriving community of affordable homes.
The government’s involvement and the Minister’s personal engagement underscore the importance of the project to Ghana’s broader housing agenda. As the nation watches the developments unfold, the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project serves as a reminder of the potential for public-private partnerships to drive progress and improve the lives of citizens.
