PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake, recently met with the Board of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) regarding a number of housing matters.
Topics discussed was Belvedere painting and maintenance of buildings; appointment of supervisory board member by the end of May; family James Cole Bay property; the financial situation of SMHDF; Foga sewage plant; Foga infrastructure; subsidy; articles or incorporations; Senior Citizen Homes; purchasing of new property; Foga lease to own; and Duplexes in Belvedere for sale.
"I was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting that I had with the supervisory board of the housing foundation. We are on the right track of what needs to be done and I am very confident that our joint approach will allow us to achieve and accomplish much for the residents.
"By mid-June, I, and the supervisory board will be informed on the starting date with respect to maintenance of the homes. This is top of my agenda, and is also a major issue for the tenants as was discussed in an earlier meeting with the tenants.
"I am pleased to announce that the sewage plant for Foga will be in operation soon. A test run has to be carried out first before its put into full operation.
"Housing for our senior citizens is very important to me, and I am also pleased to announce that work should start some time in the latter half of June. In my back to basics approach, housing is one of the key areas for our people and in further improving the quality of life for our nation," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.
Housing for low-income people is also a priority for SMHDF. A piece of property has been purchased by the foundation in St. Peters to possibly construct up to 40 units.