Regional offices must be strengthened to efficiently serve citizens – Housing Ministers 

The Ministry of Housing convened a strategic meeting earlier today at its Brickdam Headquarters with Regional Housing Officers from Regions Two, Three, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and Ten. The session focused on strengthening regional operations to better meet the growing housing demands across the country.

Minister of Housing Collin Croal, underscored the importance of effectively executing the Government’s housing mandate. He highlighted the need for stronger regional offices, equipped with both human and technical resources, to respond efficiently to the unique challenges within each region. The Minister also announced plans to establish a housing office in Region One, expanding access to residents in that hinterland community.

Minister within the Ministry Vanessa Benn, reminded officers of their role as the frontline extension of the Ministry. She stressed that awareness, knowledge and personal integrity are critical in building public trust and ensuring that services are delivered fairly and transparently.

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Dr Martin Pertab, emphasised the importance of efficiency in operations. He noted that the role of housing offices goes beyond allocations and household matters, pointing to the urgent need for timely documentation to support bank requests and financing. Dr Pertab also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing digitalisation drive, aimed at reducing delays and improving accessibility of records.

Among the challenges identified for remedy were strengthening staffing and training in regional offices to better handle growing demands, accelerating the digitalisation of records to minimise paperwork delays and improving communication channels between the central Ministry and regional offices.

The issue of enhancing public awareness and information sharing to reduce misinformation and build confidence in the housing system was also raised.

The meeting forms part of the Ministry’s wider effort to deliver quality, efficient and transparent housing services countrywide while ensuring regional offices are adequately equipped to serve their communities.