Southerners: '25,000 houses in 10 years unrealistic'

Unrealistic, dreams, a miracle, empty promises.

These were some of the words used by citizens across south Trinidad as they described the government plan to deliver over 25,000 homes in the next ten years.

In the budget speech, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said 10,000 starter homes at a cost of $250,000 will be offered for a monthly payment of $925 with no down payment. Five thousand homes will be available at a cost of between $350,000 and $500,000 with a five per cent down payment. Another 5,000 homes, he said, will be built valued between $650,000 and $900,000, and 5,000 between $1 million and $1.5 million

Many people told Newsday they were shocked by the figures.

“I agree it is a good initiative but it is really hard to believe that they will be able to produce all these houses within such a time frame,” said Michael Bailey,56.

He said it would be a miracle. “I really think they should set a realistic expectation when it comes to houses because a lot of people would hold on to this dream for years and receive nothing.”

Rajin Bhagwandeen,62, said it would be nice if many of the homes are given to people who deserve them.

“These homes would really help a lot of families and make things easier for them.”

La Romaine resident Martin Darmaine said he does not believe 25,000 homes would be made accessible to citizens in the next ten years.

“If in over 50 years governments have not helped the population with homes, what would change now?”

Darmaine said he believes the population is being manipulated. “I don’t believe it one bit.”

Tevin Thomas commended government for the initiative.

“While I think the figures are not realistic I still want to have hope that at least thousands of citizens without homes will receive homes in a short space of time.”

Thomas said he knows many people who have signed up for HDC houses and some have passed away still waiting. “I really hope this is not the case.”

Grandfather of three Rishi Ramkissoon, 61, said he was not moved by the number of homes.

“I don’t see it as a realistic goal at all and I am fed up with all the housing promises with all these governments while poor people continue to suffer.”

Other concerns felt by members of the public included the consideration of extending the retirement age to 65 and the coming property tax.