1,000 lots for self-help housing

The soon-to-be-launched Government’s Aided Self-Help Housing Programme will provide low and middle income earners with financial and technical support from the State while they build their homes.

The State’s support is a strategy which provides for housing lots sold at 30 per cent of the market value, access to subsidised mortgage facilities from the TT Mortgage Finance Company, pre-approved house plans and assistance with construction.

The Housing Ministry expects that 1,000 lots will be available to prospective home owners for construction in this fiscal year.

In an October 9 release, the ministry said the initiative is a residential serviced lots programme which aims to ensure that public sector housing solutions remain affordable and accessible for those who need it most.

This “comprehensive programme...not only seeks to assist persons seeking affordable residential serviced land lots to erect houses but also aims to assist those with land needing some assistance to construct a housing unit. Those without land, can have access to pre-approved house plans, a list of short-listed contractors and technical oversight.”

The programme is expected to be launched in the coming weeks with the application period open for about one month. Those interested can do so online and in person “at a centrally located area”; the exact location will be finalised soon.

The Housing Ministry intends to use social media, its website as well as ads in the print and electronic media to raise awareness of this programme.

Housing Minister Randall Mitchell said this is one of many programmes which Government will initiate to further stimulate the economy and create employment for skilled and semi-skilled labourers.

He also said the programme “will also see the increase in the national housing stock and a decrease in the demand on the HDC for the supply of housing units. I am very pleased because this initiative will offer another solution to those desirous of the state’s assistance.”

The ministry said self-help housing programme, paired with the recently-announced Housing Construction Incentive Programme, will ensure the shelter requirements of those most in need “move from being simply dreams to possibilities.”