In Malta, 75% of the population are homeowners, but there is a lack of affordable decent housing for the remaining 25%. Speaking to Malta's government in a parliamentary debate to approve the budget estimates for the Housing Authority, Family and Social Policy Minister Dolores Cristina highlighted the correlation between problems with housing and social problems, such as criminality and drug and alcohol abuse, and called for more affordable housing. Ms Cristina spoke about the test of priority need for determining access to social housing, the expense of new rented accommodation under recently introduced rental laws, and the importance of homeownership.
Labour Social Affairs spokesman Karl Chircop also addressed ministers. Mr Chircop spoke about the fragmented nature of the Housing Authority, and called for the three existing housing departments to be brought together under one roof, for improved efficiency. He also raised the problem of lack of affordability, including the cost of units sold by the Housing Authority, which reflect market prices and are sold for profit despite outward savings for buyers of over 25%. According to Mr Chircop, units sold by the Housing Authority frequently require essential works, such as the installation of water and electricity, so end up costing significantly more than the sale price. Mr Chircop also questioned building standards, including the use of poor quality building materials and techniques.
This parliamentary debate was reported online in the Malta Independent: www.independent.com.mt.
Parliament: Home ownership
important to Maltese society
Malta Independent, 6 December 2005
Despite ongoing tensions with the United States, President Hugo Chavez implemented Venezuela's programme to help the poor in the World's richest nation and delivered cheap heating oil to low-income New Yorkers, reported the People's Daily Online. Venezuelan government officials accompanied a truck on its first delivery - to a disadvantaged Bronx neighbourhood.
Citgo, the Houston-based refining subsidiary of Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA, will sell 30 million litres of heating oil to three non-profit housing developments in New York, at 40% less than the market value. The housing associations agreed to pass on the savings to tenants in rent reductions or other benefits.
Venezuela is the World's fifth largest oil exporter, providing the United States with 1.5 million barrels of crude oil per day.
The People's Daily Online disseminates views from China at english.people.com.cn.
Venezuela Delivers Heating Oil to Poor New Yorkers
Despite Tensions with US
People's Daily Online, 7 December 2005
There is no reliable statistical information about housing need in Ghana. It is known, however, that substandard accommodation is the norm for many families, including severe problems of overcrowding, and a frequent lack of basic facilities supports the spread of infectious diseases. It is thought that Ghana has an annual national housing deficit of around 70,000 homes.
Ghana needs to see more evidence of social housing, as distinct from "mere accommodation," for its socio-economic development through sustainable communities. Also, tenants in the private rented sector need better protection. An article in the online News in Ghana calls on the government to address the severe decent homes shortage and effect change, for value for money and improved quality of life: www.newsinghana.com.
Dealing with Slums in Ghana - The Way Forward
News in Ghana, 8 December
2005
