A Roof Over One’s Head is a Human Right
July 23, 2024
A few days ago, I read a newspaper report that I couldn't quite place, but it has continued to haunt me. The article stated that 9,000 public housing units have been vacant for years (Veel FKP-huizen onvelig; SER: Leegstand van 8.903 in beheer van FKP, 2024). Housing is one of the most significant issues facing the poorest populations on the poorest island within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. For years, the narrative has been that there need to be more public housing units being built, leading to a waiting list of thousands. Recently, people were urged to update their registrations.
For years, the FKP has been pushing to build thousands of homes in Wechi, at the expense of nature. Today, I decided to inquire about this with a former minister and a former commissioner of FKP. The latter was ousted from FKP because he was “difficult.” He has been a lecturer at our governance masterclass for years. That aside, the question is, how is this possible?
He explained that the government owns the 9,000 houses and that FKP manages them. Neither the FKP nor the government invests in their maintenance. This is madness! It illustrates that people who are better off, whether through better education or otherwise, either do not understand poverty or care little about it. As a nation, we should be deeply ashamed of this.[1][2]
We will also address this behavior in public governance during the masterclass on September 19 & 20, 2024.
Miguel Goede
Comentários