Written by Evance Chisiano
Zomba, January 30, 2019: Government says it will continue building houses for the rural poor families through the Decent and Affordable Housing Subsidy Program (DAHSP) despite repeated calls from critics to have the scheme suspended.
Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Jean Kalirani made the commitment on Sunday in Zomba on a tour of DAHSP also known as Malata and Cement Subsidy in the area of Traditional Authority Mwambo.
Kalirani said government would continue with the program because it has proved to be significant in as far as improvement of rural lives was concerned.
She said the standards of the houses under the program were impressive, saying the houses will improve rural livelihoods.
“This program will continue,” Kalirani said, adding that government is impressed with the way the program was being implemented.
She said the DAHSP is now in the third phase where more houses were expected to be constructed in a bid to improve living standards among rural families.
One of the beneficiaries, Mika Chimenya expressed gratitude to the country’s leadership, noting that he was now a proud owner of a decent and permanent house.
Chimenya owns a modern house with cement floor and corrugated iron sheets which provides enough shelter from rains and wind.
“I am proud to own a decent house,” Chimenya said, adding that his life has since changed for the better following the introduction of DAHSP in the area.
