One Billion People Live In Squalid Conditions Worldwide

Mr Samuel Sarpong, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), has expressed concern about the worsening global squalid conditions, which affects more than one billion people worldwide. He observed that the number is expected to rise to two billion if stakeholders do not join hands with the political authorities to address the global acute housing problems. Mr Sarpong was speaking at the celebration of the World Habitat Day at Asokore- Mampong in the Kumasi Metropolis on Monday on the theme: "Better City, Better Life." He said government is doing everything possible in bridging the gap between the urban and rural poor through the formulation of a National Urban Policy. Mr Sarpong said the document, when completed is expected to help local authorities to render better services geared at improving the living conditions of the people and reinforcing local capacity for better service delivery and accountability. The MCE stated that the government's affordable housing project is on course to provide decent and affordable housing to the average Ghanaian. Ms Ruby Sandu-Rojon, United Nations Resident Representative, said tackling the challenge of slums and inadequate housing requires an integrated approach. He said in order to better the lot of the people, there is the need to provide them with shelter and basic services such as health, education, water and sanitation. She said the UN Agency support interventions for the provision of water and sanitation facilities, which cover urban settlements and Guinea worm endemic areas in the Northern Region. Ms Sandu-Rojon said the UN also focuses on urban issues in policy dialogue. She said the UN Agency for Human Settlements is undertaking the water and sanitation for African Cities programme to help address urban sanitation and water crisis as well as the Urban Sector Housing Profile to help improve the on-going Housing Policy in the country. The UN Representative urged the government to mobilise and co-ordinate national and international partners to help solve the housing problem in the country.