Housing project for farmers crumbling
A housing programme initiated by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in conjunction with the Department of Rural Housing and Cottage Industries for cocoa farmers in cocoa growing areas of the country is crumbling.
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This is due to the astronomical increase in the cost of the buildings, which is way beyond the reach of many farmers.
Since the project started in 2001, not more than 40 buildings have been constructed because farmers could not afford the cost.
A three-bedroom building that cost GH¢15,000 on inception in 2001 is now GH¢60,000.
Many farmers have complained about the high cost of the building and are shying away.
A source close to the project told the Daily Graphic in Kumasi that the situation was defeating the purpose for which the otherwise laudable programme was initiated.
Under the programme, COCOBOD provides the funds for the construction of the projects while the Department of Cottage Industries and Rural Housing supervises the project after they have been awarded to private contractors.
Payment is spread over a period of 10 years but the incomes of many farmers are unable to meet the demands.
The source said unless something was done about the situation, the whole project would soon crumble.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Alhaji Collins Dauda, under whose ministry the Department of Rural Housing and Cottage Industry falls, confirmed the difficulties of the project.
He told the Daily Graphic that a new policy shift would be implemented to ensure the revival of the programme.
“There has been a change of policy and we hope to put in into practice this year.”
According to the minister, the modalities provide that farmers are supported with building materials to enable them put up their own buildings.
“We have realised that it is not economically prudent to construct the project and ask the farmers to pay for it over a period.
Alhaji Dauda stated that COCOBOD had been asked to negotiate with companies that produce building materials so that they would supply them to interested farmers.
Story: Kwame Asare Boadu / Daily Graphic / Ghana
