[WATCH] Galdes on social housing: 'Not in my backyard mentality must stop'

The parliamentary secretary for social accommodation was visiting a project that will see the construction of 84 new apartments 

Parliamentary Secretary for social accommodation Roderick Galdes. (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)
Parliamentary Secretary for social accommodation Roderick Galdes. (Photo: James Bianchi/MediaToday)
Galdes on social housing: 'Not in my backyard mentality must stop'

Parliamentary Secretary for social accommodation Roderick Galdes has said that taking a "not in my backyard" approach to social housing only served to increase stigma against those in need of it.

Glades, who was visiting the work on 84 new apartments in Siggiewi, said that he could accept criticism based on tangible issues like parking or design, but was not willing to accept the argument that people simply didn't want social housing in their vicinity.

The project, Galdes explained, would include to construction of 65 new apartments, as well as 18 one-bedroom apartments that would serve as sheltered housing for the elderly and would allow them to receive care within their community.

He said the site was one of the largest being developed for affordable housing, adding that work would soon be commencing on other earmarked sites.

There is currently a waiting list of 3,500 people who are in need of housing and the "current project" is expected to reduce that by some 680.

The project would include to construction of 65 new apartments, as well as 18 one-bedroom apartments
The project would include to construction of 65 new apartments, as well as 18 one-bedroom apartments

Glades said that government, in addition to building new units, would need to introduce new measure to reduce the impact of rental prices, which have skyrocketed in recent years.

The project will also include 105 parking spaces, "significantly more than is legally required, Galdes said, insisting that the government had consulted with residents nearby and wanted to ensure that it did not create any problems in the area.

A childcare centre as well as an electricity substation have also been included in the plans.

Galdes stressed that the government was determined to developed a "quality project" had kept space and good design in mind in drawing up plans for the units.

The parliamentary secretary also noted that there had been some opposition to the project by Nationalist Party councillors.

"We can't say there any environmental considerations. It can be developed and has been that way for 15 years," he lamented, adding that the permits had been applied for back in 2006.

Galdes added that the government was also prepared to finance the construction of night shelter "to give something back to the community".