Action for Housing call for construction of rental housing

Action for Housing has said the Government’s “persistent and stubborn refusal” to construct further rental housing has caused “serious hardship” in the local community.

A statement from the group underscored how low earners of the elderly are unable to rent in the private sector or afford “so called” low-cost housing under the 50/50 housing scheme.

“Many of these persons are living in very sub-standard private sector dwellings, or live in acute overcrowded conditions in Government flats, but yet are not high enough on the waiting list to be re-housed into Government flats with the urgency they merit because of their dire housing conditions,” a statement said.

In a four page statement, Action for Housing listed 16 cases in dire need for housing. Among the cases were stories of people who were very elderly, ill and living in acute overcrowding.

“These cases are just a sample of a much greater reality which demonstrates the fact that demand for Government housing for rental does not, by any stretch of the imagination, match the number of flats which Government is able to provide,” Action for Housing said.

“It is intolerable and a social injustice that so many applicants, including serious medical cases, the homeless, and other social cases should be made to wait for years on end for decent accommodations.”

“We think it is about time that this Government, or any future Government accepted the fact that providing so-called low-cost housing and flats for pensioners is not enough, that there is a gap that needs to be filled, and that is Government housing for rental.”