Gov't: Pilot Project for Constructing Modular Houses to Start in July

Bratislava, 4 June (TASR) - A pilot project for the construction of modular houses in the Roma settlement in the town of Velky Saris (Presov region) will implement long-standing experience with similar projects in the Netherlands, said Government Proxy for Roma Communities Alexander Dasko following the away-from-home government session in Pecovska Nova Ves in the district of Sabinov (Presov region) on Wednesday. The government has committed Dasko's office to cooperate in implementing the project, which is due to start in July. "Modular housing is a fast, cheap and effective way to really change settlements," said Dasko in connection with the construction of modular houses meeting relevant housing criteria. He emphasised that the key element of the project is the settlement of the land and connecting the modular houses up to the necessary technical infrastructure. Modular housing should also be created in a way that doesn't create segregated conditions. When presenting the project, the proxy pointed to its merit and motivational factors. "Future tenants will get nothing for free," he said, adding that the condition for obtaining rental housing is participation in its construction. "Their contribution will be at least 20 percent of the costs in the form of participation in construction work," Dasko explained. Dasko also stressed that tenants won't be allowed to rack up debts from energy or water supplies and that they will be able to reduce their rents based on compliance with the rules. "Zero debt, regular school attendance by children, maintaining order, regular work, all of this will can reduce their rents," he said. ko/df