Deputy Works and Housing Minister, Dr. Hannah Bissiw, says government will construct over 200,000 housing units over the next five years. Dr Bissiw also disclosed that government will put up some 300 units for Members of Parliament (MPs), ministers and other officials, while looking at providing another 1,000 units for the police, fire service, immigration officers and health workers in the country. The deputy minister disclosed this when she appeared on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM on Tuesday. The government, she disclosed, is also in talks with development partners to construct two and three-bedroom houses for the public. Dr Bissiw’s announcement follows an earlier statement by Finance Minister Dr Kwabena Duffour that the state will provide 38 units for the police around the country and continue to support the implementation of the Special Cocoa Farmers Housing Scheme. The deputy minister however disclosed that government is still sourcing funds to carry out the projects as the projected expenditure cannot be covered by the budget. Madam Bissiw said government requires GH¢70 million to finish up housing projects started by the previous government. She expressed the hope that government could enter into more partnerships in the years ahead to construct even more houses. The minister discounted suggestions the ruling government is trying to cut out local contractors working on various state housing projects. Dr. Bissiw also touched on government’s efforts to solve acute water shortages in some parts of the country and indicated that aside maintenance works going on across the country, the Ministry is securing “concessionary funding” of some $273 million for the Kpong Water Treatment Plant. If the deal goes through, most parts of Accra that experience water shortages will get relief. Play attached audio for excerpts of the content Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana