250 applications to housing programme

Government's Aided Self-Help Housing Programme applicants wait to submit forms at the HDC's Couva Village Plaza, Lisas Gardens, Couva. PHOTO COURTESY THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING.
Government's Aided Self-Help Housing Programme applicants wait to submit forms at the HDC's Couva Village Plaza, Lisas Gardens, Couva. PHOTO COURTESY THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING.

The Housing Ministry says there has been a “positive response” to Government’s Aided Self-Help Housing Programme, applications for which opened on Monday. More than 300 people turned up at the Housing Development Corporation’s (HDC) Couva Village Plaza to submit applications.

The ministry said of those who attended, 250 completed applications were submitted, with the majority being applications from people who do not own land but who would like to be,”selected to purchase one of the 1,000 available subsidised housing lots.”

The programme caters to those who have land but don’t know where to start with constructing a house and those who want land to build their own home. Resident citizens without land and over 21, can purchase state land for 30 percent of the market value, access to subsidised mortgage facilities from the TT Mortgage Finance Company, pre-approved house plans and assistance for the construction of their dream homes.

Those with land who require state assistance, can also access subsidised mortgage rates and technical guidance from experts to assist them throughout the construction process.

Government's Aided Self-Help Housing Progamme applicants being attended to by the Customer Service Representatives. PHOTO COURTESY THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING.

Housing Minister Randall Mitchell said he was not surprised by the turnout because initial reports indicated that more than 90,000 application forms were downloaded from the ministry’s website while more than 1,000 forms were collected from the four advertised locations.

Mitchell said while Government is unable to provide ready built homes for everyone on the ministry’s application database, the ministry continues, “to create innovative housing solutions (so that) low and middle income earners in need can access affordable housing solutions”.

The minister advised those interested in the programme should, “read the requirements and guidelines of the programme carefully to avoid any delays in submitting their forms.” Applications will be only accepted at the Couva Village Plaza.

Applications must be submitted between November 20, 2017 and January 12, 2018, on Mondays to Fridays from 8 am to 4 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to noon. For more information on this initiative, you can visit www.housing.gov.tt , check out the ministry’s Facebook page or call 623-4663 ext 2202.

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