Dutch group to build 100,000 affordable houses in Ghana

Environment and You, an organization from the Netherlands is to construct 100,000 affordable houses in the country.

The project based on “open houses concept” would enable lower income earners including those in the informal sector to own houses.

Mr Sampson J. Nibi, Advisor of Open Source House initiators of the project, announced this on Wednesday when he led a three member delegation from the Netherlands to pay a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Amenowode in Ho.

He said a two to four bedroom house, which would cost between GH¢11,000 to 25,000 Ghana cedis would be paid for in 30 years.

Mr Nibi said two prototype houses would be built in Cape Coast in November this year.

He said the project, which would run from this year to 2020 would involve local contractors, whose skills would be upgraded in time.

Mr Nibi said the houses, which would be detachable, would be built with local materials to promote the usage of natural resources and energy conservation.

“Bamboos, timber and other local materials will be used that can help regulate temperatures to conserve energy,” he said.

He said a consortium of banks and the Netherlands government were funding the project.

Mr Amenowode commended the delegation for the initiative and was hopeful that the project would help reduce the housing deficit in the country.

He urged architects to educate the populace to appreciate the usefulness of local materials for housing and the health benefits.

Source: GNA