Dear Editor,
Residents of Lethem, Region #9, who were fortunate to be selected for houses built by the government are enquiring about the sloth in handing over completed houses as well as the official process to return cement and steel collected for the construction process. As you may be aware, the government had a construction incentive where first time land owners were offered assistance in the form of steel and cement to commence construction of their homes. Many potential home owners signed up for this assistance and received their cement and steel. Subsequently, the government upgraded this initiative where they undertook the construction of these houses in full and homeowners then had to sign an agreement with the bank to repay the costs for the construction.
In essence, potential home owners had no say on who or how they wanted their houses to be constructed but rather had to agree to whatever design and contractor the government decided upon. Almost all agreed to the construction program since they either did not have the means to build their house or could not meet the requirements outlined by the banks. What the government did not outline after they upgraded the housing program, was what residents were supposed to do with the cement and steel which they had initially collected. Many converted the items to other construction activities since their house was now being built by a government approved contractor with all building materials being supplied by said contractor. At present, contractors have completed construction of these houses but are not handing them over. No one really knows why.
But some homeowners are of the opinion that it may be related to the cement and steel which was initially collected since some contractors are now demanding that it be handed over to them before any keys are handed over. If this is the case then the governing agency should put out an official advisory so residents can be duly advised. Further, since no official instruction was given after the collection of the cement and steel, some residents may have converted the items for other use. In such situations, what does the government advise since it may not be practical for poor homeowners to raise the cash in lieu of the items already used up? Can such expense be added to the loan which the homeowner will receive from the bank and contractor collect the money from the bank? That way the homeowner repays for the cement and steel on terms affordable to them and the contractor collects what he is demanding.
If government does not come up with a practical solution to this issue then many home owners may not be able to move into their new homes in the near future. And this would then defeat the purpose as to why the government invested billions into low income housing for citizens. Here’s hoping that the relevant government agency takes some time to look closer at the issues holding up this housing initiative and comes up with practical solutions beneficial to all involved so that many first time home owners can actually benefit from this initiative and realize the housing vision proffered by the PPP/C government.
Sincerely,
(Name and Address Provided)
