Govt help needed for good housing

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says there is a need for a proactive government intervention in policy, law and finance to achieve affordable housing and curb unplanned settlements.
Parkop said management of the nation’s capital population boom was also needed to achieve affordable housing.
“Government interventions must involve making finance and land available, and helping the private sector to cover the risks,” he said.
“Even private finance agencies like banks and housing credit schemes will not work or take the risk unless they are covered or supported by the government.”
Parkop said the project which he initiated in July 2018 progressed well with 200 allotments which had already been created at 9-Mile Quarry and 8-Mile Moitaka Ridge.
He said they were currently under the surveying stage.
The governor said there were seven project sites comprising Ragamuga at 6-Mile, which was on customary land, Kaugere, Burns Peak, Morata, Kipo, Nautana and ATS.
A consultative process was underway with all settlement households having been surveyed and the safety and well-being of women and girls was a priority, Parkop said.
“Eighteen thousand households have been identified in the pilot project areas,” he said.
“PNG Power has committed to the electrification of the settlements and that the multilateral agencies have stepped up in partnership.”
Parkop commended Prime Minister James Marape for his government’s commitment to continue supporting the settlement to suburb upgrade project in the city.
Marape said in a statement last week that all settlements in the city would be developed into properly planned suburbs, adding his government wanted to provide proper, affordable housing for the citizens starting with the cities and towns in PNG.
Parkop praised Housing and Urbanisation Minister Justin Tkatchenko and Lands and Physical Development Minister John Rosso for their commitment for affordable housing for the people.
He also commended the outgoing minister and Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa for his efforts and support.