The Opposition is demanding clarification on housing ownership for indigent beneficiaries.

Spokeswoman on Local Government, Natalie Neita Garvey says Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie should urgently clarify statements made at yesterday’s post-Cabinet press briefing.

He commented on the ownership of houses granted to the registered poor under the Poor Relief Act.

Mr. McKenzie was reacting to the recent Auditor General’s report regarding local authorities’ social housing programme for the indigent.

Mrs. Neita Garvey says the Minister’s assertion that these houses would revert to municipal corporation ownership upon the death of the beneficiary is causing national concern and could be legally misleading.

She states that “the legal status of these homeowners must be clarified, as persons now receiving houses are confused by contradictory statements made by the Minister and their original understanding.”

Mrs. Neita Garvey is also seeking clarification regarding the new Social Housing Programme (NSHP) administered by the Office of the Prime Minister.

She points out that beneficiaries are similar, and some are now anxious about their housing security.

As a result, she is calling for the government to publicly outline the rules governing these housing provisions.

She asserts that the Opposition is firmly against houses being taken away from the elderly, registered poor, indigent individuals or anyone on the paupers’ roll, as this would put surviving family members at risk of homelessness or destitution.