Mar 03 - Affordable Housing Scheme Will Free Up Government Rentals – Claims Government
The Government has today insisted that the GSD is hypocritical in their criticism of the Government’s recently launched ‘Affordable Housing Scheme’. A No.6 Statement on the matter today said, ‘It is clear that the Opposition have been stunned by the community’s hugely positive response to the launch of the Government’s new housing schemes and, rather than maintain a prudent silence on the matter, they have felt compelled to comment in order to find something to be critical about.
‘The plain fact is that whatever they may say now, the GSD lacked a coherent housing strategy to ensure a timely supply of houses for our people when they were in office. Indeed, they neglected the housing issue to such a degree that the then Chief Minister practically apologised for this inaction after the 2003 general election. This inaction was reflected in a spectacular 350% increase in the housing waiting list during the tenure of the GSD administration. It grew from about 400 people in 1996 to about 1400 when they left office.’
The Government goes on to highlight the fact that with many current Governments able to buy their own homes through this scheme, many flats will be made available for those on the waiting lists. The administration is confident that the scheme, along with other measures, will reduce the waiting list.
