Kellman: Use of available finances had to be maximised

HOUSING Minister Denis Kellman says there are a number of housing projects that have been completed or are nearing completion, but with the global economic challenges, his Ministry had to maximise the use of finances available.

Speaking on the no confidence motion in the Lower Chamber on Tuesday night he pointed to completed projects such as Lancaster in St. James and Constant in St. George, the latter of which will soon see owners. He explained that the money from Constant will complete the Parish Land project which is 99 percent complete.
 
The Minister told the Opposition BLP that with economic challenges the Minister of Housing does not put pressure on the Minister of Finance. “And he (Minister of Housing) ensures that he uses the money available to him in such a way that the Minister of Finance is able to give that money to the productive sectors, while at the same time he seeks to complete those projects that can add to the infrastructure and also correct some of the social problems in a particular country.”
 
“We cannot be dealing with our social problems without creating revenue to help the productive sectors. It is when the productive sectors are functioning in the right way and we have surplus revenue, we can deal with the surpluses to deal with new housing projects,” he told Honourable Members.
 
The Housing Minister also stressed Government’s commitment to the 20 year programme, which he said was identified as far back as 1960 by the father of Independence the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow. The programme allows all persons living in NHC housing and paying rent for a period of 20 years or more, to own these houses or units. (JH)

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