Social-democrats propose ANL take over half of homes unfinished by private developers

C.D.

• Bota: "The construction sector is lethargic, and construction sites are on the brink of collapse"

The head of the Department for Infrastructure and Regional Development of PSD, Sorin Bota, yesterday announced that the Social Democrat party is considering a program which would have the National Housing Agency (ANL) take over 50% of the homes built and abandoned by private developers. This program would have to be set up through a Government decree.

The step would help the sector, as according to Mr. Bota, the construction sector is lethargic, and construction sites are on the brink of collapse.

"We must find a solution for ANL to take over - we are thinking along the lines of 50% - of apartments that will be built, at a price set through a Government decision, prices that ANL already has in place in its well known programs currently underway, which leaves the issue of negotiating with the local authorities concerning the plots of land, and utilities which would also have to be taken over", Bota explained, as quoted by Agerpres.

The social-democrat said that there is an attempt to find a solution for the creation of a shadow-toll partnership where developers would execute thermal envelopment and attics for thermal insulation purposes, which would no longer require homeowner associations to pay 20% of the value of the works.

Sorin Bota added: "What"s more, the 30% share of the works that mayoralties have to pay for will be cut by half. We want it to reach somewhere around 10 - 15%. We think it"s feasible. We made technical calculations and we are going to create a law that will push this program".

• PSD wants a Code for the Construction Industry

On the other hand, the Chairman of the National Council of the PSD, Adrian Năstase, announced that his party is working on a Code for the Construction industry.

The Code, drawn up by the Department for Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Social-Democrat Party, (PSD), is aimed at land and city planning, designing, authorization and quality of construction.

"It is clear that we need to make some serious efforts when it comes to city planning, keeping the local note, and compliance with height limits and housing rules - which constructors and homeowners usually abide in other countries, but unfortunately don"t seem to carry any weight in Romania", Năstase concluded.