Housing estate told to build houses, compete in real estate

THE National Housing Corporation (NHC) and its business arm, the National Housing Estate, have been urged to build more homes and provide competition in the real estate market.
Prime Minister James Marape made the call in response to query on how his government intends to address the high cost of real estate in the country.
“We’ve just told the senior management of both organisations that if they can work together, this will be the biggest real estate company,” the prime minister said.
“Through their provision of new houses and better housing, this can offset the pricing mechanisms out there where real estates are charging more.
“I’m asking National Housing Corporation to get out there, build more homes, refurbish more homes and make it cheaper and better so that it can affect the cost of living going forward.”
Marape said all this would not be achieved in one or two years.
“We will set in motion programmes towards NHC having cheaper, better homes,” he said.
The prime minister said a house is a fundamental need for all the citizens.
“Every citizen out there may not have a voice but live to own a house.
“Our organisation here must have answers to all our country’s housing needs, even at home in the rural communities.
“We will continue to work with you and give you the support you need but me and the minister will try to stay at arm’s length from you.
“We don’t want to have too much political interference but at the same time finding the best team to support you all and you can do what you are all supposed to do for our country,” Marape said