Veep places premium on housing supply as key gov’t priority
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref emphasized that providing the housing needs of the people, especially rural residents and vulnerable groups, is one of the government's important priorities, stating, "A comprehensive plan for serious support will be formulated to complete and construct subsidized housing units."
Speaking at the 21st meeting of the Supreme Housing Council and noting that previous governments had good programs and commitments in the housing sector, Aref added that despite all efforts, approximately 140,000 applicants for subsidized housing units had been unable to receive their homes, IRNA reported.
Referring to the commitment to build 970,000 subsidized housing units, he further stated that the country has encountered financing and execution obstacles over the years and decades in constructing these residential. "Therefore, a comprehensive plan for serious support to complete and build these units must be prepared and formulated within the next month so that, through the facilities and authorities granted by the legislature, we can create momentum in this sector."
The vice president underscored that a significant portion of the income for certain segments of society is spent on rent. He stated that without government provision of facilities, purchasing housing would be virtually impossible for these groups, expressing hope that "by pursuing necessary measures in the housing sector for the lowest four deciles of society, we will take major steps."
He emphasized that the governments' commitments to building subsidized housing, especially for vulnerable groups, are commitments of the system, "and we have no right to any delay in this regard."
Aref said, "Revitalizing the housing sector leads to economic prosperity and the activation of industry and job creation." Noting that housing construction is one of the country's important production sectors in line with this year's slogan, he stated that meetings of the Supreme Housing Council must be held regularly so that more fundamental steps can be taken for the housing of all citizens.
Also in this meeting, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development presented a report on the housing market, important measures of the rental management package, the performance of rental deposit loan payments, and the programs and challenges of subsidized housing.
Subsequently, a report from the Central Bank of Iran on the performance of banking facilities in the housing sector and the implementation of the law on jumpstarting housing production was presented.
Furthermore, it was decided in this meeting that a committee composed of the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Finance, Roads and Urban Development, the Plan and Budget Organization, and the Central Bank will prepare and formulate a specific program within the next month to finance the completion of subsidized housing units.