A total of 10 apartments will have a 50 per cent subsidy on them, but only for families with a low income of no more than Lm4,000 per annum. The sale of the units was announced by the authority’s chairman Marisa Micallef Leyson and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina at the HA’s offices in Floriana.
Out of the 145 units for sale, 74 are apartments, 70 are maisonettes and one is a house. They are located in several areas – Birkirkara, Bugibba, Fgura, Mosta, Mqabba, Msida, Mtarfa, Naxxar, Pembroke, Qala, Qrendi, St Paul’s Bay, Siggiewi, Victoria, Xewkija, Zejtun and Zurrieq.
Ms Micallef Leyson said that other changes had been implemented by the Housing Authority, including the fact that people coming out of care will be awarded 100 points rather than the previous 50 when considering applicants for subsidised housing.
Applicants who are separated, including those who have suffered domestic violence, will also be eligible. The 10 apartments for sale at 50 per cent subsidy represent another new measure. Applicants must also be 18 years old by the end of December 2004.
Properties are being reserved for the following categories: 55 per cent for families with children, 30 per cent for engaged couples, 10 per cent for applicants with a disability and five per cent for singles over the age of 30 (except for applicants with a disability or those who have previously been in care).
The prices (except the 50 per cent subsidy) vary from Lm16,000 for a shell apartment to Lm26,000 for a finished one.
Ms Micallef Leyson said the HA was constantly looking at ways of making its affordable housing programme more accessible and was targeting certain client groups who may find difficulty in purchasing property.
“With the 50 per cent subsidy rate, we are also trying to help those who would like to help themselves but cannot do so for financial reasons,” she said.
Ms Cristina said that while some people might ask: “And just who do you think you are helping with 145 units? I would answer that while there are others who need help, we have at least made the lives of 145 people and their families better.”
Ms Cristina said that government was putting into practice its plan of supporting people who were most vulnerable. “Our National Action Plan on Poverty and Social Exclusion has clearly indicated the areas on which we need to focus. We are sticking to our principle of avoiding having people who are at risk of poverty from becoming socially excluded,” she said.
Ms Micallef Leyson said that the total value of the housing up for sale was Lm5.6 million, of which the HA was subsidising Lm2 million – an increase of Lm500,000 over last year.
She said that viewing of the properties can be done at the HA this weekend. Applications will then be received between 13 and 26 November.
Ms Micallef Leyson said bank representatives will also be present to give advice to those who apply. Anyone requiring more information can call on freephone number 2294-2667.