Members of the Ban
Nernrodfai and Laem Ratchawet communities hope to get help from the
government in solving their homeless issues and affordable housing
shortage.
Warunya Thongrod
About 30 low-income renters and squatters heard how they might
one day own their own homes from residents in Bangsaen and Trat who once
faced the same difficulties.
Pattaya City Councilman Nikon Phonlookin invited those living in the
Nernrodfai and Laem Ratchawet neighborhoods to attend the meeting with
Ban Munkhong Project residents Aug. 21. The hope was that the Pattaya
residents could find a way out of homelessness and uncertain rental
situations.
For more than a year, Nernrodfai families have been negotiating with the
Social Welfare Department and Community Organization Development
Institute to work out a plan to gain funding for 63 low-income homes
under the aegis of Ban Munkhong. Their initial proposal was rejected
early this year and, despite meeting with government officials in March,
no agreement has been reached.
Ban Munkhong is a 100 million baht pilot partnership
between cities and the Ministry of Social Development and Human
Security. The ministry announced in September 2011 it would allocate
37.8 million baht to fund 4 percent home loans and 46.7 million baht for
construction of 290 homes over 15 years in Pattaya. The city earmarked a
contribution of another 15.2 million baht to support the program.
Residents seeking permanent homes in the Nernrodfai neighborhood had
been squatters on state property before they were evicted. They see Bang
Munkhong as their chance to own their own homes for the first time.
While the Nernrodfai residents currently have homes,
their leases end this year with no certainty where they’ll land next
year. In Laem Ratchaweat, 30 families were removed for squatting on
public land.
The Social Development Office had decided to organize the project as a
guideline to lead villagers to be able to manage their own residential
issues, so they can remain safe and have a better lifestyle.
For the event, the department invited the president of the Ban Munkhong
Klong Yai 1 community in Trat to share his experiences. The Pattaya
residents also heard from leaders of the Ban Munkhong Chumchon Chokdee
Pamna project in Bangsaen.
