T

he West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) administration will provide 1,129 houses to low-income residents of 175 villages across the province this year.

Funded by the NTB administration, the free-housing project will include all 10 regencies and municipalities on two main islands of Lombok and Sumbawa.

The NTB Public Works and Housing Agency is in charge of the project’s construction, which is expected to cost Rp 31.2 billion (US$2.2 million).

“The program targets poor people, including those who own houses located in slum areas. We have set the criteria for those who qualify for the [homes], for example, low-income people above the age of 40. However, of that group, we will prioritize people with families,” agency head Gusti Bagus Sugiharta said on Monday.

The agency is currently teaming up with officials from the 10 regions to collect data and assess residents who are eligible for the program, said the agency’s housing division head, Izzuddin.

They will also seek input from the provincial poverty eradication task force to verify potential recipients’ data.

“Under the scheme, we will provide type-21 houses [measuring 21 square meters],” Izzudin said. “Construction for the project in Lombok will cost about Rp 27 million per unit and in Sumbawa, Rp 29 million per unit.

“The project aims to fulfill the basic needs of the NTB’s poor community,” Izzudin said.