The Ashanti Regional Secretariat of the Department of Rent Control (DRC), under the Ministry of Works and Housing, has embarked on an investigative exercise (piloting) around the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Spearheaded by the Acting Commissioner of Rent Control, Frederick Opoku, the exercise, last Friday, was to determine the pricing scheme of various Hostels, whether it is in accordance with the perimeters of the pricing scheme of the Department.
The exercise is part of a nationwide exercise being undertaken by the Department in its renewed enforcement drive by the Acting Commissioner of the Department, to underscore the need for effective regulation of the rent sector. This is to sanitise and streamline the rental space in the country, following clamouring from various Students’ Unions.
Speaking in an interview with The Chronicle, Mr. Paul Kofi Appiah, Regional Public Relations Officer of the Department, disclosed that the exercise is part of their mandate to investigate pricing scheme, indicating that during the exercise it was revealed that Hostels are charging absurd prices, without providing the required amenities, besides bed and mattress.
He noted that for a hostel to qualify to operate, it must have an eatery and a place of entertainment, among others.
The PRO disclosed that the exercise is a feasibility study carried out by the Department, after which his outfit will meet with hostel managers and all stakeholders to educate them on the requisite requirements.
He further disclosed that the Department will do a proper assessment of each hostel and determine the appropriate fees to be charged.
He said in the name of “fairness”, the assessment would be carried out in the presence of a Lawyer, a Valuer, Hostel owner and Tenants, after which a certificate will be issued to the said hostel, to be pasted at a visible area for all to see.
Mr. Appiah further indicated that the Department is there to regulate, as well as to enforce its laws, but not to intimidate stakeholders.
He urged all stakeholders to come on board for effective regulation of the rent sector.
From Oswald P. Freiku, Kumasi
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