Every night while watching the 7 pm news I have to pause, and am angered by the situation that has developed over the last few months, ie, available houses being given away left, right and centre in the name of "helping the less fortunate." Now I am not a heartless person, I am a rational one, and there must be a better way to assist.Most of these families, when asked, state they have lived in deplorable conditions for years. My question is why now?
There are numerous work opportunities and government financial aids available for the less fortunate such as home construction grants, TT Cards, disability allowances, child allowances, Cepep, URP, to name a few, instead of continuing the long-standing problem of giving a man a fish. The Housing Minister has stated that most of the HDC houses constructed are unsuitable for habitation and need to be renovated, at a substantial cost to taxpayers. Yet the houses that are habitable are being given to people who are unable to contribute to the alleviation of the taxpayers' burden.
My advice is to sell these houses at a reduced cost to eligible applicants, who can then use the money saved to "fix-up."HDC is then able to recoup some of the monies spent, thus reducing the taxpayers' burden, while alleviating the housing needs of many people. Numerous people, myself included, have applied, in some instances, over six years, and are able/willing to pay mortgages, yet we are being denied the chance to own a home.Do I have to wait until I am retired or do I have to become destitute in order to own a home? Time to think, people.
I Alexander
Via e-mail