Opposition Member of Parliament Gline Clarke has called on Government to strengthen the capacity of the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and look at ways to speed up the process for transferring housing units to renters.
Speaking during debate on the new NHC (Transfer of Terrace Units) Bill in Parliament today, the former housing minister described the NHC as “asset-rich and cash-poor”.
He emphasized the need to put the state-owned corporation in a position where it could earn revenue and not only provide housing, but also offer loans and facilitate repairs. He said there were still too many Barbadians who went to NHC offices day after day in vain, so there was a crying need for more housing lots. One of the ways to do this, he suggested, was by acquiring more land and compensating the owners in order to build the NHC’s capacity to deliver housing spots.
In terms of the transfer of titles, Clarke said this process was often delayed and involved two to three lawyers who eventually incurred some costs. He suggested that Government therefore look at the Land Registry to see what could be done to speed up conveyancing.
Full story in tomorrow’s MIDWEEK NATION
