"The ministry encourages the development of proper housing for citizens from the low-income group through the BSPS. We hope that the people would be able to live in proper houses (after renovation) to be able to maintain their health during the pandemic," Director-General of Housing of the ministry, Khalawi Abdul Hamid, stated here on Saturday.
Hamid explained that the BSPS program offered Rp20 million (around US$1,371) of cash assistance for each qualified recipient. The aid is used for purchasing construction materials and for paying construction workers, with each allocated Rp17.5 million (around US$1,200) and Rp2.5 million (around US$171) respectively.
"We also provide assistance to recipients during the execution of the BSPS program. We are optimistic of the community also supporting the program by collectively aiding the house renovation effort," Hamid noted.
North Gorontalo received funding allocation for the renovation of 1,260 housing units for 2021 to be distributed to recipients in Gorontalo and North Gorontalo.
The ministry's North Gorontalo Housing Provision Working Unit Head Alwi Mahdali noted that the BSPS funds in North Gorontalo District would be allocated to 250 housing units.
"Total funds allocated for the BSPS program in North Gorontalo District reaches Rp5 billion (around US$342,935). We hope the funding would be used to meet the basic needs for proper housing, particularly to repair all damages and ensure safe and quake-proof housing conditions," Mahdali noted.
Mahdali elaborated that the BSPS program is a stimulus for low-income citizens to repair their own houses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are optimistic that the BSPS program to renovate houses in need of repair would also facilitate the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve the quality of life of recipients during the pandemic," Mahdali stated.
Earlier, the Public Works and Housing Ministry had allocated Rp4.2 billion (around US$288,065) for the construction of supporting infrastructure for subsidized housing in Gorontalo Province for 2021. Related news: One Million Houses Program: Over 164,000 homes built in Q1
Related news: Government eyes reducing housing backlog to five million in 2024
Translator: M Razi R, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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