NHC responds to ‘troubling’ video about Valerie Housing Estate

The National Housing Corporation (NHC)has released a statement in response to what it calls “a troubling” video being circulated about Valerie Housing Estate.

The NHC says it is necessary to clear up “grossly misleading information” contained in the video.

Below is the full NHC statement:

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) is aware of a troubling video being circulated with our Valerie Housing Estate. While we are very concerned about the issues highlighted, it is necessary to clear up some of the grossly misleading information contained in the video.

As it relates to the state of the kitchen in one of the units, the NHC became aware of this situation only a few weeks ago. At that time, the tenant admitted that he was responsible for dismantling the cupboards and removing the other fixtures. This matter is being investigated as the NHC is fully responsible for the maintenance of these units and it is unclear why any room would be disassembled without our knowledge.

The shed in question is not an office for our employees. It is a temporary storage space for equipment being used to carry out work on the sewage system on the compound. Additionally, up to a few weeks ago, our maintenance and cleaning workers were stationed in one of the units at Valerie; however, due to the heavy demands for housing; we relocated them to our Pine Depot to free up the unit. They are now transported from the Pine to Valerie to carry out their duties and they also utilise the shed to store their tools, but not as a work area.

Regarding the elevator, we are aware that this is an inconvenience for our tenants, especially those who are physically challenged. We are working to have it repaired as soon as possible but unfortunately the process has been delayed as we are awaiting a shipment of parts necessary to complete the job. We have had repeated issues with the elevator over the years, the majority stemming from vandalism, and we want to reiterate that the elevator should not be tampered with.

Over the past few months our maintenance teams have intensified work on plumbing, electrical and other repairs at Valerie and our other 49 estates across the island and we assure that we are committed to addressing problems highlighted by our tenants as a matter of urgency.

We are aware that not every tenant may be up to date on these recent events and maintenance efforts, and may themselves have other matters they wish to discuss. As such, we will host a Tenant Town Hall on Monday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Valerie.

Ian Gill

General Manager

National Housing Corporation