Dear Editor,
I am not sure that the state will ever satisfy the need for house lots, as there are still hundreds, nay, thousands of applications for house lots in the various parts of this country. There are very many young people who have applied for house lots, but who are not yet established or have not acquired the wealth to purchase house lots at the asking price per lot. There are also hundreds who want to apply but are discouraged because of the long wait and the cost that they cannot easily meet.
I would urge the minister to bear in mind that he is also young and would understand the anxiety of young people to be independent, and some to acquire a piece of land to start their construction. Many youths want to own something as living quarters before getting into marriage. The Minister should ensure that there are more low-income plots, 40×80 which must be within affordable range to assist the youths to acquire and build.
House lots in Diamond have become very expensive, almost unaffordable. What used to be low income lots are now being sold for millions of dollars. There are still a large number of lots that seem to be without owners – no fence, but overgrown with bush, etc. Would the housing ministry reclaim such lots and sell same at affordable prices to those who are in need?
It would appear that the One Stop Shop, being a good idea, needs to be more streamlined and organised so that whoever applied should be invited. It should not be a case where you are now going there to apply and come away successful with a lot number.
Editor, I believe that those at the housing ministry must have the data on the applicants who have applied for a house lot in a certain location and whose applications have been lying at the ministry for years.
These are the people who should be invited by way of letter to attend the One Stop Shop. Also, if there are one thousand lots to be given out, ensure that one thousand persons are asked to attend the allocation exercise. Editor, this will save a lot of anxiety, a lot of confusion and a lot of resentment.
A One Stop Shop must be properly thought out in order to ensure a smooth and speedy process.
It is hoped that the backlog of applications will be looked at and accorded some level of priority when house lots are being allocated.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)