President Ricardo Lagos announced that his government will cancel thousands of Chile's poorest families' housing debts, reported The Santiago Times. The new social policy, promoted by the President on TV, is to free some 30% of those owing money to the Urban and Housing Service (SERVIU) of their debts. The President said:
"We are growing; we are making Chile a more just, more humane country through growth. With this growth, we can help all families, especially those that need it most."
Chile's social programmes include plans to lower interest rates, so helping those with private financial debts too. The President hopes that by the end of 2005, through social programmes such as the one outlined here, one in every three Chileans will be debt free and own their own home.
Read the full article at www.tcgnews.com/santiagotimes.
Debt Cancelled for Chile's Poorest Families
The Santiago Times, 19
May 2005
In Morocco, HM King Mohammed VI launched phase one of Douar El Koura, a housing project in the Yacoub El Mansour neighbourhood of Rabat, the Morrocan capital's biggest shanty town.
The project is to include the construction of 2,200 social housing units, 870 of which are to be completed in phase one, followed by 850 units in phase two, and 480 units in phase three. The total development is to include a library, a kindergarten, and a women's centre.
Read more about the Douar El Koura housing project at www.moroccotimes.com.
Shanty Town Image of Rabat a Distant Past
Morocco Times, 12 May
2005
Housing shortages in Baddi mean around 30,000 people must commute to work from areas up to 45 kms away, reported the Chandigarh Newsline. India's government has been called upon to generate new affordable housing in the area, particularly through private sector involvement. Affordable housing helps create sustainable communities. A lack of affordable housing can impede economic growth. Read more about this at cities.expressindia.co.
Baddi Has No Houses
Chandigarh Newsline, 15 May 2005
