Dear Editor,
As the dust settles on the fanfare and the PR of handing over of houses constructed in Lethem by government approved contractors, home owners moving into these houses are being faced with the startling reality that many of these houses have flaws. One house owner saw her front door break apart a few days after moving into the house. Another saw their brand new flush toilet inoperable and flooding the house. Many complained that their floors were becoming very dusty and the surface started “flaking” off. Some home owners made attempts to lodge complaints with the Ministry of Housing but were informed that once the house is handed over they are no longer responsible for the defects and that contact should be made with the contractor to fix the flaws. The contractor is saying that all monies for the project has already been used up so they cannot effect repairs.
A critical point in all of this is that these houses were not built for free and every owner has a loan with the bank to pay for the cost of the house. Homeowners had no say in how their houses were to be built nor who the contractor was going to be. The government undertook the responsibility to ensure that its citizens would receive value for their money. For some, this has not happened and they are now faced with even further costs – which many cannot afford since they are mostly low income earners. While this home building initiative by the government is greatly appreciated and has provided homes for many who would otherwise have not been able to afford to build a home, there are definitely flaws in the system which should be looked at urgently. For starters, the Ministry of Housing should (must) hold its contractors accountable for substandard works. There should be a liability period after homeowners have occupied the building to ensure that the construction was to acceptable standards.
If any defects should arise it should be the ministry that makes contact with the contractor to fix the issue/s since a contractor would respond with more alacrity if a government agency makes the request but would oftentimes give a homeowner a royal run around to fix the same defects. The ministry should develop a procedure to reflect the liability period where complaints can be lodged and properly investigated. As the home building program continues to expand and provide benefits to the citizens it is hoped that the interest and welfare of the citizens remain paramount and that systems are put in place to always protect them from contractors.
Sincerely
(Name and Address Withheld)
