Housing subsidy programme launched in Ntcheu

Government has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Descent and Affordable Housing (Cement and Malata) Subsidy Programme (DAHSP) nationwide.

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Atupele Muluzi said this during the district launch of DAHSP at Bunyenga Primary School in Ntcheu.

“Let me say government is impressed with the progress of the programme as it is on track as planned and we hope that within this first phase, we will manage to reach out to 15 440 beneficiaries,” he said.

The minister then appealed to local authorities to provide support to housing development groups to ensure that set-up identification procedures for beneficiaries are followed.

Said Muluzi: “If set-up identification procedures are followed, the programme can be corrupt-free as there will be transparency and accountability at all levels.”

In his remarks, Paramount Chief Gomani V commended government for the programme which he said would see people living in descent houses.

Gomani said most people have been struggling to build good houses from agricultural proceeds due to high prices of building materials.

“My only hope is that the first beneficiaries pay back the loans accordingly for more people to benefit from it in the district,” he said.

Over 560 people are expected to benefit from the programme in Ntcheu during 2014/15 financial year. n