In terms of the housing situation in Cuba, two matters generate the greatest concern and expectations from the public. In the first place, it is the construction of new properties —either by the government of prospective homeowners themselves— and, secondly, the conservation and rehabilitation of existing houses and buildings.
Everyone in Cuba knows that this continues to be one of the country’s most “sensitive” problems, which is reason for it to be identified as one of the highest priorities of the Cuban government.
The critical nature of housing was verified on Saturday during the second day of work of the National Assembly’s Commission on Industry and Construction.
This year 50,000 new housing units should be built. That was the plan that was presented and approved in the National Assembly’s previous legislative session. As reported by Victor Ramírez Ruiz, the president of the National Institute of Housing, in the first four months of this year, 13,981 housing units were completed – which represents 28 percent of the total to be built. Of these, he added, 6,700 were built by the state and 7,273 constructed through personal initiative, supplied with government resources and materials.
Obviously, the plan is behind schedule, which has generated new tensions and concerns. However, program managers assure that it is feasible to meet the goal of 50,000 units by December 31 if a rhythm of 4,000 new units a month is achieved.
Where is the Achilles heel of this vital construction program? Why doesn't the program advance with greater speed? Are there enough materials? Are they building all the units they should? Are the provinces and municipalities in firm control of this process?...
Floating around are all types of questions, objective and subjective. At this very moment, as recognized by the president of the National Institute of Housing, a great deal rests on the execution of the housing construction program assigned to the trade union, known as the “Cuban Confederation of Workers (CTC) Plan.”
Despite the guarantees granted by the government, it has not gotten the results expected through this approach, with many pointing to problems of disunity and disorganization. This is why next year there will be a change in the system of awarding resources. The right to construction will be conferred on individual workplaces, which will be paid bonuses once units are completed.
The expressed will of the government and the CTC it is to complete as many of the 50,000 housing units possible. Moreover, they see the need to create the necessary conditions so that next year there will be no disorganization, lack of solidarity and support, as well as much less dissatisfaction on the part of the people who are supposed to benefit from this urgently needed program.
Housing authorities have requested that this commission look at a system of ongoing and systematic inspections, as well greater control and accountability on the progress of this program in each one of the nation’s provinces. Oversight of the network distribution and delivery of construction materials, as well as the monitoring of the quality of new housing construction and rehabilitation is also seen as key.
They are many the accumulated needs. The country is conscience of this. However the struggle is not only for building more, but because also combating illegalities and corruption that put in danger such a pressing matter as that of the country gradually solving its housing problem.
(
www.juventudrebelde.co.cu)
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