Tangible Benefits of Housing Project

Julius Espat

Just before Christmas, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing delivered twenty homes to singles mothers.  Today, Minister Julius Espat appeared on Open Your Eyes and spoke about the reaction of the recipients.

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing

“I never realized the impact it would have in changing people’s lives. We knew that as government we had to do things that are tangible to people, that people can feel. We were of the opinion that governments waste a lot of money, in general terms, on white elephant projects. And, the people don’t feel the benefit from it. So, before the election we convinced the party that we go back to this housing idea. We were ambitious no doubt, that we wanted to achieve a certain amount. Then we got into the reality when we hit and formed government. The economy was in shambles. We had an emergency running through at the same time and then COVID. But, despite that, Cabinet approved a budget for us to put together a pilot project. So, this last year was us putting together the team, putting the professionals in place, identifying contractors, looking at how the system works, and we got the first twenty delivered this December. But, the reaction of the recipients is, I think, what softens your heart more than anything else. You are dealing with people that in my opinion, would possibly never own a house, and now they have that in place.”