I would like to see the tenants issues addressed
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake recently met with the Belvedere Homeowners and Tenants Association (BHOTA) as well as tenants from Belvedere, Cole Bay, FOGA, Union Farm and the Keys.
The meeting was well attended by BHOTA Board, the Managing Director, Management and Staff of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF).
A follow-up meeting is planned for after the Carnival Celebration with the board of St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation, and Minister Lake would also like the SMHDF to share his housing vision with the board of BHOTA and tenants.
The BHOTA tenants brought forward their issues of concern to the Housing Foundation while Minister of Public Housing Hon. Maurice Lake listened keenly.
"I listened to the concerns of the tenants, and I have asked the Board and Management of the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation to draft a plan of action with timelines that addresses the issues of the tenants. We need to listen to the tenants and work together to make our environment safer and better for everybody to live in and enjoy," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.
On the board of the housing foundation, there is a vacancy that has to be filled by BHOTA once they meet the requirements to fill the position.
"Filling the vacancy on the board is very important. A BHOTA representative would then have access to information who can in turn keep BHOTA board and tenants informed. In my back to basics approach, openness and transparency are key for a good working relationship.
"I would like to see a better dialogue between the Housing Foundation and BHOTA. Like I have preached before, and I will say it again, it's the small things that make a difference and that count," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake pointed out.
Some of the issues of the tenants are painting of the residential buildings; a better preventative maintenance plan for the upkeep of the buildings; a recreational green area; a lighted playground for children to play for all housing complexes; a structural relocation plan for the Cole Bay tenants; sewage issues and clean-up in FOGA.