The Ministry of Housing is currently evaluating a policy aimed at providing targeted housing support for low-income families, especially those residing in informal settlements. Permanent Secretary Manasa Lesuma highlighted that, while assistance is available for households earning up to $50,000, families with incomes below $30,000 continue to encounter significant challenges in accessing housing support.
Lesuma noted that the banking industry primarily focuses on applicants at the higher end of the income spectrum, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by lower-income families. In response to these issues, the Ministry has launched a pilot housing program specifically tailored to assist vulnerable households.
“We are trying to modify this policy to ensure that we implement targeted interventions for those at the lower end of the income threshold. Many families living in informal settlements fall within this category. We hope to present this proposal to Cabinet for approval,” Lesuma stated.
The proposed reforms aim to enhance existing housing initiatives by incorporating specific support mechanisms, moving away from traditional lending models that may not adequately serve the needs of the most disadvantaged families. This commitment to improving housing accessibility for low-income families reflects an encouraging direction for social housing policies, potentially fostering more inclusive communities and addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in the region.
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