Sutherland: Mortgage fair highlights need for more housing

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) mortgage fair held in Golden Square Freedom Park last weekend has been described as a resounding success.

Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance Dwight Sutherland said on Tuesday that while the Government has been pushing to create around 10 000 new homes to deal with the backlog of Barbadians seeking housing solutions, the response to the fair was an indicator that even more houses were needed.

“While we have embarked on the 10 000 housing project silent revolution, we know very well that what we saw Saturday would tell us that we need more than 10 000 houses to really satisfy the demand in this country, whether they are in income groups of less than $2 000, or between $2 000 to $5 000, or upper,” he said in the House of Assembly.

Sutherland added that just over 1 000 persons were seen at the NHC’s booth during the event. He said the number of people who visited financial institutions represented at the fair, was still being tallied at this time.

“I am proud to report that the fair was indeed a success,” he said.

Minister Sutherland added that given the high level of response, a greater effort should be made to further expand the housing programme for both residential and commercial use.
(SB)