By DOH JAMES SONKEY
The first group of buyers of the social low cost houses have received their keys. They received their keys from the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestin Ketcha Courtes during two separate ceremonies organized last July 31, 2019 at Olembe in Yaounde and last August 2, 2019 at Mbanga Bakoko in Douala.
Officially handing over the keys to 32 buyers out of 205 who have completed payment in Yaounde for 60 houses in 3 completed buildings and 53 owners out of 236 who completed payment in Douala for 170 houses in 7 completed buildings, the Minister thanked all those who completed their payment for the low cost houses since 2013 for demonstrating patience and trust in the government. She equally thanked Credit Foncier, MAETUR, SIC and other stakeholders for making the dream come true.
This newly created modern quarters, the Minister explained, has all it takes such as good access roads, enough leisure space, electricity complimented with solar street lights, telephone, water etc for the population to be comfortable.
Stressing that “the right to town begins with the right to a decent social lodging,” Minister Celestin Ketcha Courtes told the population that “you can see that through the realization of this project, the Head of State thinks about you and has your lodging at heart.”
Addressing the buyers she said, “You are now Proprietors of your new buildings. Though you have been waiting for about 6 years, you can testify that government knows that promise is a debt.”
While promising that “I have decided that my ministry will cover for one year, all charges linked to co-ownership,” she urged them to respect the terms of their contracts with the government.
The Housing and Urban Development boss advised the buyers to keep their new houses well and neat “because your house represents your inner self. Remember your children will inherit the houses from you.”
She told them to use their houses to promote peace, solidarity and living together as instructed by the President of the Republic, Paul Biya who decided to cub housing crisis in urban areas by ordering for the construction of low-cost houses in major towns of the regions.
The Minister concluded by warning all those who illegally occupy these social houses (squatters) while the true owners are stranded on the streets to stay off these houses or be ready to face legal suit.
It was in December 2009 that the Prime Minister, Head of Government launched the pilot construction phase of 1675 houses.