GREDA should commit resources into affordable housing- Minister

Accra, July 19, GNA - The Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Mr Albert Abongo has appealed to members of the Ghana Real Estates Development Association (GREDA) to commit resources to tap the huge demand for affordable housing.

Mr Abongo gave the assurance that his sector ministry was ready to support GREDA with land from its land banks, to provide affordable houses to the meet the increasing demand of Ghanaians. The Minister made the appeal in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister at the Ministry, Dr Hannah Louisa Besiw, at the 2nd Ghana Property Awards 09 Night in Accra, at the weekend on the theme: "Creating a sustainable income in today's environment and maintaining the culture property industry."

The Minister said it was important that as stakeholders in the building industry, members began to play their respective roles in the delivery of housing in a way that would sustain "our environment and ensure the sustainable utilization of local building materials".

The awards night is organised annually by Property Express, in collaboration with GREDA to recognise and appreciate hardworking, innovative and deserving individuals and organisations in the Property, Building and Construction industries. The event is also to highlight the activities of the industry and expose the performance of the industry to scrutiny.

Mr Abongo said "in this age of falling building standards with some unprofessional players in the property sector, it is very important for the sector to monitor itself and review excellence adequately". He noted that majority of Ghanaians lack the maintenance culture and a drive around town reveals several buildings that are physically obsolete and others structurally sound but allowed to go into economic and functional obsolesce.

Mr Abongo said government was committed to a nationwide urban renewal programme with the key approach to develop a technical support scheme and the creation of effective institutions.

Mr Dwomoh Appiah, Chairman of Ghana Property Awards, said the event was multi-faceted, encompassing property businesses operating at every phase of the building process and with the best property occupiers. He said the awards also seeks to bring together the key names in the Ghanaian Residential and Commercial Property market to celebrate the successes of the industry and explore innovative concepts in developing Real Estates, Construction and Property Acquisition.

Regimanuel-Gray Estates Management won the Ultimate Award of the Year with Premium Paints winning the Paint Firm of the Year. Akuaba Limited won the Furniture Company of the Year, whilst the Architectural Firm Award was won by Akuffo and Associates with the Property Personality Award going to Mr Emmanuel Botchwey of Regimanuel-Gray Limited.

Other award winners are DAMAX Construction Company - Regeneration Award, Deal of the Year - Y. Kumey International Group Limited, Property Company of the Year- Koans Building Solutions Limited, Up and Coming Property Firm- Chase Properties and Property Inputs Provider of the Year-DWA Ghana Limited.