The ministry of economic growth and job creation is assessing available government owned lands, as part of efforts to assist persons under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).

The issue was discussed at today’s meeting of parliament’s  public accounts committee which is examining  concerns raised in the Auditor General’s report on government’s social benefit programmes.

Committee chair Julian Robinson highlighted the challenges faced by persons who do not own lands and queried if there was a mechanism to assist those who occupy state lands.

Permanent secretary in the ministry Arlene Williams said the ministry has been grappling with issues relating to land tenure.

To benefit from a house under the NSHP,  individuals must own the land or have permission to use it.

She explained that a process has begun where members of parliament were asked to look within their constituencies for available lands.