President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged to coordinate the efforts of state authorities and local self-government bodies to effectively launch state programs aimed at providing housing for participants of the ATO/JFO and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“In order to implement these state programs, the main task is to coordinate the efforts of state authorities and local self-government bodies,” the President said during a meeting of the Council for Development of Communities and Territories.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy recalled that in November it was decided to launch a loan program, which provides for a long-term government loan of 3% per annum for up to 20 years, with a minimum own contribution of the borrower up to 6% of the cost of housing.
For her part, Minister for Veterans Affairs, Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine Oksana Koliada stressed that housing was a mechanism of socialization and integration into normal life for both veterans and IDPs.
“Before our team came to power, veterans and internally displaced persons were constantly treated as a burden for the state. This is wrong,” Oksana Koliada said.
The minister said that nearly 80,000 veterans and 400 families of internally displaced persons needed housing.
Oksana Koliada also noted that the Ministry for Veterans Affairs had already developed the concept of a state target program for providing housing for veterans and IDPs, and submitted it for consideration by all the relevant authorities.
“This was done pursuant to your decree, Mr. President. I hope we will agree and approve it very soon,” the minister said.
Following the meeting, the President of Ukraine stated that the program of affordable housing crediting developed by the Government was not enough. After all, it does not solve, for example, the problem of queues for housing for peacekeepers. The Head of State is convinced that it is possible to resolve this issue in a year in case of simultaneous implementation of the programs both at the state and local levels.
“From the outset, Mrs. Oksana, we wanted to reach out to all the mayors and RSA Heads, so that they can help find sites and real estate. For you to speak at your level with the main construction contractors and help people,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President also stated that there should be lending programs for both the employed and those unable to pay the loan.
“I want you to get information from each city where you can build such housing at the level of RSA Heads. In some cases, it may even be free. I am sure that it can be done,” the President stressed, urging to prepare such information by the end of January.
