Montague

A drive to raise $50 million for an indigent housing fund was announced yesterday by the State Minister for with responsibility for Local Government, Robert Montague.

In his contribution to the 2008/2009 Sectoral Debate in Parliament, Montague appealed to his colleagues to support the initiative by contributing $250,000 from their Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He said the proceeds from the fund would only be used to provide housing for the indigent.

"If members of parliament agree and sign the pledge form that will be sent through the Constituency Development Fund, we will collectively realise $15 million," he said.

Special collections

The Department of Local Government plans to match contributions from the CDF.

Montague said the balance of $20 million would be raised through special collections to be carried out by churches across the country.

He said contributors to the National Housing Trust who have accumulated returns would be asked to contribute to the indigent housing fund.

At present, there are 15 infirmaries islandwide housing 1,500 people, including the aged, disabled, mentally challenged, abandoned and homeless individuals.

On another matter, Montague said the Government was now exploring the idea of paying residents, particularly those living near gullies, for their solid waste.

He said with the high costs associated with the cleaning of gullies and blocked drains, it would be cheaper to pay the residents for their solid waste.