Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa has announced a commitment to prioritizing affordable housing options on developing sites amid public concerns regarding the rising costs of housing lots. The Minister addressed apprehensions that Housing Authority developments were priced out of reach for low-income earners, assuring the community that not all housing lots are priced similarly.
“The thing about housing, not all the lots are the same,” Mr. Nalumisa explained. He clarified that prices for lots can vary significantly, with some priced as low as $30,000 while others may exceed $50,000, depending on their size and the associated development costs. He emphasized that labeling these lots as universally expensive would not accurately reflect the varying prices available.
Mr. Nalumisa pointed out that development projects incur many costs, which must be covered by agencies like the Housing Authority through their own funding sources. He expressed a clear intention to collaborate with the Housing Authority to implement strategies that enhance affordability, specifically targeting low-income earners.
To further assist this demographic, the Housing Authority is introducing a model home concept designed to provide affordable housing solutions without compromising on quality. “They are coming up with the model homes that are very cheap but in terms of the quality, they have to meet the standards with something that is affordable,” he stated.
The Minister noted that while the costs associated with land and construction can be significant, the introduction of model home concepts aims to elevate affordability and meet the local standards necessary for housing development. This initiative signals a positive step towards ensuring that housing solutions are more accessible to those in need, ultimately promoting inclusivity in homeownership.
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