Why let HDC tenants amass such arrears?

THE EDITOR: The issue of tenant arrears and evictions is a complex problem, with both tenants and authorities bearing responsibility. It is unreasonable to allow debts to escalate to amounts that tenants clearly cannot repay. As the adage says, "Don't hang your hat where you can't reach," and my grandmother would add, "If you can't, I'll nail it lower for you."

Some may dismiss these unpaid amounts as insignificant, but the real question is why have the authorities allowed the debts to escalate to such extreme levels. Witnessing evictions is distressing to anyone and no single government entity is at fault. Every stakeholder involved must recognise their role in this housing crisis.

Recently, Camille Robinson-Regis, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) revealed that they plan to move forward with evictions. The minister announced their intention to collect $241.73 million in unpaid rent.

Robinson-Regis emphasised that the eviction plan is required to improve the HDC's collection of outstanding payments and that there would be no debt forgiveness for late tenants. Tenant arrears as of April 30 varied from $22,000 to $128,000, with non-payment intervals of 2.5 to seven years.

These arrears, which include sizeable sums from rent-to-own, licence-to-occupy units, in-house mortgage units, and commercial properties, must be collected by the HDC to honour its obligation to taxpayers.

So again, the question arises: Why were tenants allowed to accumulate such extreme debts? If they couldn't or didn't pay the small amounts initially, how could they possibly pay the six-figure sums now owed?

Robinson-Regis highlighted what she termed the success of the collection drive, noting approximately $9 million collected in April. Since the commencement of evictions, the average monthly collection over the past nine months has been around $6 million, excluding November and December 2023.

However, whether this is a true success remains debatable.

This intricate matter highlights a structural issue that necessitates joint accountability from authorities and tenants. It is irrational to let debt spiral out of control without taking action. The adage "the axe forgets, but the tree remembers" reflects this sentiment, as those in power may overlook the hardships caused while those affected bear the lasting impact.

Evictions may be required in certain situations, but they also draw attention to the need for a more proactive strategy to stop arrears and aid those who are having financial difficulties or simply being complacent with payments.

Authorities should put policies in place to stop debt from accruing or spiralling and offer easily available aid. Once a payment is missed, tenants should be required to report their difficulties and seek support as soon as they need it.

So, "hang yuh hat where yuh could reach." We are all striving to stay afloat in the game of survival. However, it's essential to practise good habits during a crisis. "Make hay while the sun shines" when times are abundant and ask for assistance to learn, apply and master these concepts.

Together we can tackle the underlying reasons for this housing crisis and make sure everyone has access to housing.

S BENOIS-SELMAN

Woobrook