Government Intervenes In STX Confusion

The Minister of Water Resource, Works and Housing, Alban Sumana Bagbin has stated that the impasse between directors of the STX Engineering and Construction Ltd will not affect the implementation of government's affordable housing project. Mr. Bagbin said the problem between the directors was a result of a breakdown in communication and that government had another strategy to ensure that the project still continues even if the standoff is not resolved on time. On Tuesday, there were reports that B. K. Asamoah, a director of STX Engineering is in court to stop moves by his Korean partners to remove him from office. Speaking to Joy News, Mr Bagbin indicated that government has intervened to settle the misunderstanding between the two parties and Mr. B.K. Asamoah has agreed to withdraw the court case. He said the Koreans are also committed to the settlement which should allow the parties to resolve their differences as soon as possible. Touching on the issue of funding for the housing project, Mr Bagbin said government had already secured enough funding as various companies expressed interest in funding the project right from the onset. He denied rumours that government was facing some difficulties in sourcing for funds for the project, insisting that the Ministry of Finance has enough funds to commence the project. He however refused to disclose the names of organizations which have committed the resources required for the project. But a fellow at IMANI Ghana, Kofi Bentil has challenged the minister's claim that there is funding for the project, stating that evidence available to his outfit clearly shows that there is no funding for the project. He further challenged the minister to come out with the details of the names of organizations which have provided the money and the amounts involved. He said such details should not be concealed and treated as though it was a national security matter. He reiterated his belief that the STX project is a misplaced priority which government should have avoided. According to him, money for the project will be of better use if channeled towards solving the perennial water problems the nation faces.