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| PM Mitchell |
The Grenada government of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell is implementing a housing repair loan scheme to replace the free material distribution scheme.
The announcement was made by Governor General Sir Daniel Williams as he delivered the Throne Speech to mark the ceremonial opening of the Fourth Session of the Seventh Parliament held at the Grenada Trade Centre last week Friday.
Sir Daniel disclosed that the loan scheme will be designed and operated from within the Office of the Prime Minister.
The reason given by government for scrapping the scheme is limited funds.
According to Sir Daniel, it is hoped that the new programme will save the Mitchell government a lot of money as it seeks to cut back on wastage.
During the address, the Governor-General was optimistic that the new scheme will give Grenadians who cannot afford to rebuild their homes after the ravages of hurricanes Ivan and Emily the opportunity to do so through the loan scheme.
Government said that the new initiative would allow the beneficiaries to repay at a very low rate.
However, the main opposition National Democratic Congress is taking offence to this latest move by Mitchell's ruling New National Party (NNP) administration.
Opposition Member of Parliament for the rural St. Andrew South-east constituency, Kenrick Fullerton said that the housing situation on the island is still suffering from the effects of the two hurricanes and that some citizens are still in need of adequate housing.
Fullerton called on government to reconsider its decision to discontinue the material distribution scheme.
The Governor-General also announced in the Throne Speech that the state-run Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD) will continue to work with the Chinese Government on the promised 2000 houses, as well as Venezuela for the construction of 500 additional houses.
It was disclosed that the 130 houses constructed at Lacalome, St. David's by Caracas for the most needy persons in the country would soon be distributed.
The Mitchell Government also expressed solidarity with persons living in vulnerable areas such as Soubise and Marquis on the sea coast and assured them that every effort is being made to have them relocate expeditiously.
