Contribution to the 2015/2016 Sectoral Debate by the Hon. Morais Guy

Mr. Speaker, the responsibility to provide housing solutions is not one that is to be taken lightly. History records that many administrations have attempted to facilitate this process through the implementation of various programmes and legislative changes. While their accomplishments and successes have not gone unnoticed, there is still much work to be done. The solutions, Mr. Speaker, go beyond the construction of houses; they encapsulate regularisation of land (e.g. land titling), home improvement, infrastructural development, mortgage financing and urbanisation concerns, among others. It is true that as the population increases the demand for affordable, quality housing goes up.

Mr. Speaker, I am aware of the challenges, but I am not daunted  by them. Instead, I am encouraged at the prospects of revitalising the housing sector as we burgeon into a developed state. This will be accomplished through purposeful planning and implementation of policies, which will drive the sector, thereby contributing to the socio-economic fabric of our country. Mr. Speaker, the growth and development of our people cannot be left up to chance. Development of our people is synonymous with growth in the economy. That is why as a Ministry we are committed to the task of providing the solutions, which will in turn facilitate the growth of our people.