I have a dream of owning my house

 I HAVE been struggling as a working class person to find a decent home for my family. 

Owning a proper house with a land title is a dream for many Papua New Guineans like me. 

Unfortunately, most of the land in this country is customary and need special arrangements with the traditional landowners.

Most of the properties and houses on state land are beyond the reach and affordability of ordinary working class citizens of this nation. 

I dream of owning a decent house with the title deed which will secure my family’s future. It is also an investment for my children.

The Government’s decision to promote and develop home ownership for citizens is a step in the right direction and I commend Housing Minister Paul Ezekiel for implementing this policy and fulfilling it. 

You have done a great job so continue to do it so that decent, hardworking Papua New Guineans can afford their own homes whether they have peace of mind and security.

I also commend Lands Minister Benny Allan for making state land available for these housing projects.

However, the Government must regulate the real estate industry as the prices of properties are very high and beyond the reach of most citizens. 

Most will argue that high prices are the result of supply and demand but housing or shelter is a basic human right and the Government must intervene as something is seriously wrong.

Henry Paul Hupiko

Markham, Morobe