The Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to seriously consider outsourcing their function of the issuance of development and building permits to the relevant professional bodies.
This, he believes, will help reduce the perennial flooding and the recent phenomenon of collapse of buildings in the country.
The Minister’s call comes in response to concerns about the lack of necessary expertise at the MMDA level for effectively carrying out this vital task in the development of our cities and towns.
During the induction ceremony of 55 newly qualified architects in Accra, Mr Asenso-Boakye highlighted the critical role architects play in ensuring that construction projects meet the required standards in terms of safety, functionality, and aesthetics.
He referred to a report from the Ghana Institute of Architects which states that there are no architects and other development professionals such as engineers and planners at many of the MMDAs.
“Who are working on these permits then? No wonder we continue to experience the perennial flooding and the collapse of buildings,” the Minister intimated.
Professionals
Mr Asenso-Boakye stressed that until MMDAs recruit qualified professionals to assist with the processes of permit applications, they should seriously consider outsourcing that important function of the Assemblies to the professional bodies.
He, therefore, charged the leadership of the involvement of professionals in the built environment space to develop an intelligent arrangement to make his call work.
He indicated that it will not only lead to better-designed and safer buildings, but also, streamline the often-cumbersome permit application process as well as curbing the rampant collapse of buildings in the country.
“Our cities and towns are rapidly evolving, and it is imperative that we adapt to these changes with precision and professionalism. While MMDAs are at the forefront of development controls, we must recognize that the complexity of important roles demands specialized expertise. Architects, along with other professionals, can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table,” the Minister pointed out.
He further emphasized that this collaborative approach would contribute to the sustainable development of urban areas and improve the overall living conditions of citizens adding that “we want our cities to be more than just concrete jungles; we want them to be thriving, aesthetically pleasing, and safe environments for all residents.”
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