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Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, inaugurates the Ghana Hydrological Fund during the Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024. With an initial allocation of GHS 1.5 million, the fund aims to address Ghana’s perennial flooding challenges by financing critical projects like drainage construction and dredging. The Minister underscores the fund's role in improving water management and calls for collaborative efforts from stakeholders and development partners to ensure its success.
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Ghana has taken a decisive step towards tackling its longstanding housing and flooding challenges with the launch of the Ghana Hydrological Fund during the Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024. The three-day conference, held at Labadi Beach Hotel, commenced with an opening address by Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who emphasized the urgent need for sustainable solutions to Ghana's flooding issues.
Minister Oppong Nkrumah announced the establishment of the Ghana Hydrological Fund, allocating an initial GHS 1.5 million as seed funding. This fund aims to expedite essential projects such as drainage construction and dredging, crucial for mitigating flood risks and enhancing water management systems nationwide.
In his address to a diverse audience comprising government officials, industry experts, and development partners, Minister Oppong Nkrumah highlighted the severity of Ghana’s flooding problem, particularly during the rainy season. He pointed out that only a small fraction of drainage channels in the Greater Accra Region have been adequately addressed, necessitating urgent and comprehensive action.
The Minister stressed the collaborative nature of the Ghana Hydrological Fund, calling upon all stakeholders, including development partners, to contribute towards its success. He underscored the fund’s role in financing critical infrastructure projects that would significantly alleviate Ghana’s flooding challenges and improve resilience against climate change impacts.
Beyond flooding, Minister Oppong Nkrumah addressed Ghana’s housing deficit, currently estimated at 1.8 million units. He acknowledged the funding constraints and project delays plaguing affordable housing initiatives, advocating for robust public-private partnerships. The Minister proposed incentives for private developers to engage in large-scale affordable housing projects to meet the growing demand.
During the BENCHH 2024 conference, discussions will cover regulatory reforms and the establishment of a Works Inspectorate Unit to enforce building and safety standards rigorously. The Ministry plans to present comprehensive reports on government initiatives, achievements, and challenges, seeking input from stakeholders to devise innovative approaches.
Minister Oppong Nkrumah expressed optimism about the conference's outcomes, emphasizing the potential of collaborative efforts to drive tangible progress in Ghana’s built environment sector. He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute their expertise towards crafting actionable strategies that address the nation’s housing and hydrology challenges comprehensively.
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